(AP News photo) The Oakland A’s Matt Olson (28) comes home after hitting a grand slam in the first inning and is greeted by teammates Tommy La Stella, second from left rear, Ramon Laureano and Marcus Semien, right rear while Mark Canha (20) looks on

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The A’s are flying high. After taking four of five from the Astros in a five game set this week, the A’s headed out on the road for a weekend series against the Texas Rangers. The A’s, who up until Friday night had been 5-1 against the Rangers this season were looking to continue their great stretch of ball.

The A’s did just that. The A’s got out to an early advantage in the first inning. The first three innings the A’s walked followed by a Matt Olsen grand slam home run to take the 4-0 advantage. The A’s didn’t look back the rest of the way as they built a 9-1 lead going into the seventh inning.

The A’s bullpen, which has been stellar this season had a minor blip in the seventh. JB Wendelken gave up two runs after Mike Fiers started off the inning giving up a home run. Note I did say minor blip since the A’s bullpen finished out the game only giving up one more run to win 10-6.

Mike Fiers pitched pitched six plus innings with six hits and four runs all earned while striking five and walking two. He was countered by Luis Garcia who wasn’t able to get an out. He gave up three walks and a hit which was a grand slam and was pulled in the first inning.

Leading the way for the A’s on offense was Matt Olsen, Sean Murphy, and Robbie Grossman who combines for six hits and three home runs.

The A’s have now won 5-6 and appear right on track following the COVID lay-off after Daniel Mengden tested positive a few weeks ago.

The A’s will play the Rangers again in Arlington on Saturday for a double header starting at 2 PM PST. Starters in the front game Oakland starter Daulton Jeffries (0-0 ERA 0.00) and for the Rangers Nick Goody (0-0 ERA 6.23) in the night cap for the A’s Chris Bassitt (3-2 ERA 3.12) and for the Rangers Kolby Allard (0-5 ERA 7.22)