ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Jonny Gomes' two-run home run in the eighth inning lifted the Oakland Athletics to a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Gomes' homer off Joel Peralta (1-6) broke a 3-3 tie and sent the Rays to their second loss in eight games.

Ryan Cook (6-2) earned the win in relief for the A's, who have won seven of nine.

Luke Scott's pinch-hit double got a run back for the Rays in the ninth before Grant Balfour finished for his 13th save.

Gomes, who played for the Rays from 2003-2008, has hit safely in all eight of his games against his former team with three homers in 26 at-bats. It was his 15th home run of the season.