Justin Duchscherer pitched 7 2/3 innings of 1 run baseball en route to an Oakland A’s 7-1 victory over the Florida Marlins. Duchscherer’s ERA on the season is now under 2, he won his 8th game of the year yesterday.

“I think everybody’s goal is to be an All-Star pitcher,” Duchscherer said when asked about returning to the All Star Game. “I made it one time, so I have to say, ‘Yeah’ (I can make it again).”

A heavy load of run support helped earn Duchscherer this victory. Bobby Crosby got the ball rolling with an RBI single in the first inning. In the third, Emil Brown dunked a 2 RBI single into shallow right field to cap a 4 run inning. On a Marlins defensive miscue in the 6th, rookie Carlos Gonzalez stole home. The batter, Jack Cust, then hit an RBI single off of Logan Kensing to put the A’s at a comfortable advantage.

“That’s disappointing to go out there when the series is 1-1, and you hope to go out there and pitch well,” said Miller. “I didn’t do that.”

The Phillies also lost their game yesterday, so the Marlins blew a very good opportunity to gain a game in the NL East division. Instead, they’ll remain in second place, one game behind the Phillies.

“Obviously, when that final came up on the scoreboard, you say, ‘OK, let’s win this one and go back home even.’ It didn’t happen,” Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “You come out on a long road trip and gain games, it’s a good thing. But sooner or later, we’re going to have to play head-on, and gain our own ground. You don’t want anyone else doing your job for you. But overall, 4-5 on the road trip, you’d like to go 5-4, but we’ll take it.”