Updated

Brandon McCarthy made a pitch for a spot in Oakland's rotation, taking a shutout into the eighth inning and leading the Athletics over the San Francisco Giants 6-4 in a split-squad game Sunday.

McCarthy was lifted after giving up hits to Brandon Belt and Ryan Rohlinger to open the eighth.

Aubrey Huff hit a three-run homer off Fernando Cabrera, who relieved McCarthy.

McCarthy gave up five hits and had good control. He struck out five without walking a batter. It was the longest outing of the spring for an Oakland pitcher, surpassing Trevor Cahill's 6 1-3 innings Saturday.

Chris Carter hit a two-run triple in the eighth for Oakland.