Photo credit: @SFGiants
By Jeremy Kahn
SAN FRANCISCO — Well, from here until September 29, the games will count; however, the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s played one final exhibition game.
Mark Canha drove in three runs, as he hit a double off of Jeff Samardzija in the top of the second inning and then added a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning, as the A’s completed a three-game sweep of the Bay Bridge Series with a 4-2 victory over the Giants in a game that was called after six innings due to rain, before a crowd of 24,992 at Oracle Park.
Canha drove in Jurickson Profar, who walked to leadoff the second inning, then Marcus Semien singled and then Canha doubled in Profar, and the scoring ended in that inning ended, when former Giants catcher Nick Hundley hit a sacrifice fly to Yangervis Solarte in left field.
Two innings later, Canha launched a Samardzija offering into the left-center field bleachers to give the visitors a 4-0 lead.
Samardzija ended up going 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits, walking just one and striking out five.
“Always good to get it done,” said Samardzija, who added, “got thru came and get this going.”
The Giants cut into the A’s lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Gerardo Parra singled in Connor Joe and Alan Hanson; however, the rally and the game ended, when Pablo Sandoval struck out versus Jerry Blevins.
Mac Williamson, who suffered a devastating concussion on April 24, 2018 when he dove for a foul ball near the left field bullpen took a pitch off the right wrist, but stayed in the game.
“Results are negative,” according to Bruce Bochy.
NOTES: Chris Stratton was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-handed pitcher Williams Jerez.
Ty Blach was optioned prior to the game to Triple-A Sacramento, and Andrew Suarez was optioned to Sacramento on Monday.
UP NEXT: Madison Bumgarner will take the mound on Thursday afternoon, as the Giants begin 137th season on the road against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Left-hander Eric Lauer will take the mound for the Padres, who will begin their 50th season in “America’s Finest City.”
Following Bumgarner will be Derek Holland on Friday, Dereck Rodriguez on Saturday and Samardzija on Sunday before heading 120 miles up Interstate 5 and begin a three-game series against two-time defending National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday.
