MINNEAPOLIS — The Oakland Athletics’ slumping offense strung some hits together in a much-needed victory.

Seeing the A’s offense have that much success was enough for the Minnesota Twins to send Kyle Gibson to the minors.

Jharel Cotton struck out nine in six innings and Ryon Healy hit his fourth home run of the season to lift the Athletics over the Twins 8-5 on Thursday.

Cotton (3-3) gave up three runs and three hits, and Stephen Vogt had two hits and two RBIs to help the A’s avoid a three-game sweep. Santiago Casilla struck out Miguel Sano with the bases loaded in the ninth for his fifth save in six tries, Sano’s fourth strikeout of the afternoon.