by Jerry Feitelberg

Oakland- The A’s beat the Toronto Blue Jays for the sixth consecutive time this year by a score of 6-2. With the win, the A’s picked up a game on the Seattle Mariners. The Houston Astros beat the Mariners to drop them four games behind. The A’s remain five games behind and they trail the Mariners by just one game in the race for the second Wild Card slot.

The A’s starter, Trevor Cahill, gave the team a quality start as he went six innings and allowed just five hits and two runs as he improved his record to 3-2. The A’s pinned the loss on Toronto’s Sam Gaviglio. Gaviglio is now 2-4.

The Blue Jays jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With one out, Randal Girchuk doubled. Cahill struck out Justin Smoak for the second out. Kendrys Morales singled to drive in Girchuk. The A’s tallied two runs in their half of the first. Gaviglio walked Nick Martini and Matt Chapman to put men on at first and second with no out. Gaviglio retired Jed Lowrie for the first out. Designated Hitter Khrid Davis reached on an infield single to load the bases. Matt Olson hit the first pitch from Gaviglio for a single to drive in Martini and Chapman. The A’s lead 2-1.

The A’s scored three times in the third inning. Davis led off the inning with his 29th home run of the year. Matt Olson followed with a double. Olson advanced to third when Stephen Piscotty grounded out. Mark Canha doubled to drive in Olson. Marcus Semien singled to send Canha to third. The A’s manager Bob Melvin sent the sign out to the baserunners to execute a double steal. Toronto catcher Luke Maile’s throw to second base was cut off to nail Canha at home. Canha managed to touch home plate with his foot before the tag was applied. Canha was ruled safe. Toronto challenged the call, but after a short review, the call was confirmed. Sam Gaviglio’s night was over as Toronto brought in Luis Santos to pitch.

Toronto’s Justin Smoak cut the lead to 5-2 when he homered in the top of the fourth, but the A’s got the run back in the sixth when Matt Chapman led off with a double and scores on a single by Khris Davis.

There was no more scoring the rest of the way. The A’s bullpen shut the Toronto offense down as they allowed them just one hit in the last three innings of the game. The A’s win 6-2.

Game Notes and Stats- With the win the A’s, improve to 63-46. Cahill went six innings and Yusmeiro Petit, Heurys Familia, and Blake Treinen each worked a scoreless inning.

The line score for Oakland was six runs, eleven hits, and two errors. Toronto’s line was two runs, six hits, and one error.

The A’s will meet the Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon at 12:35 pm. Lefty Sean Manaea will be seeking his tenth win of the campaign, and he will be opposed by Marcus Stroman.

In other news, the A’s announced that Daniel Gossett will undergo Tommy John surgery to correct a problem in his right elbow. Gossett will be the fourth A’s pitcher to undergo Tommy John Surgery this year. The other three are Jharel Cotton, A.J.Puk, and Kendall Graveman.

A’s to Host Nearly 5,000 Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Nig

Nearly 5,000 teachers will attend tonight’s game as part of the A’s Teacher Appreciation Night. To celebrate Bay Area teachers and their dedication to educating our youth, the A’s offered complimentary tickets to teachers who pre-registered for the 7:05 p.m. matchup versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

Prior to the game, the Oakland A’s Community Fund will host a free Educational Fair for teachers. Teachers can learn about the A’s educational programs, including Home Run Readers and Science of Baseball presented by Chevron, and visit booths from community partners. More than 2,000 teachers have signed up to participate in the Educational Fa

The A’s also announced that August 7th will be Black History night.

The Oakland A’s will celebrate the rich heritage of Oakland’s black history during African American Heritage Night on Tuesday, Aug. 7, when the team hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As part of the celebration, fans are invited to a pregame mixer and panel discussion with former players Rickey Henderson, Vida Blue and Joe Morgan, plus A’s team executives, at 4:30 p.m. in the Eastside Club.

Prior to the 7:05 p.m. game, the A’s will present the inaugural Vida Blue Diamond Award to a deserving community member for their service to the African American community. Following the presentation, Tony! Toni! Toné! will perform the African American national anthem, and Bebe Memorial Cathedral Choir will perform the national anthem. MC Hammer is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.