Tony Kemp (5) slides into third base before he was to score on a Sean Murphy sacrifice fly in the top of the first inning. It would be the only run the A’s would score all game long against the Seattle Mariners at T Mobile Field in Seattle on Sat Jul 2, 2022 (@Athletics photo)

A’s Lose To Mariners in a Walk Off 2-1

By Barbara Mason

After winning Friday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners (38-42) the Oakland A’s (26-54) were looking to take the series lead with a win on Saturday as they started Saturday’s game with the series tied at 1-1. It was not to be as the A’s couldn’t hold a 1-0 lead and lost it in the eighth and ninth innings 2-1 at T Mobile Field in Seattle.

The A’s got on the board in the first inning when Sean Murphy hit a sacrifice fly and Tony Kemp scored giving Oakland the early 1-0 lead. The A’s would not score again through nine innings.

Oakland starter Paul Blackburn had an excellent outing going 6 1/3 innings, five strikeouts and no walks. Domingo Acevedo came in to relieve Blackburn in the seventh inning. The A’s ended the inning with their second double play of the game and the Seattle threat was thwarted for a second time in this game.

The defense for the A’s had been spectacular all afternoon as Oakland hung onto the slim 1-0 lead going into the eighth inning.

Seattle would tie up the game 1-1 in the eighth off a Justin Upton home run and this game took on an ugly turn.

Seattle would load the bases in the ninth inning with Marcus Wilson, Carlos Santana and Cal Raleigh aboard. The Mariners would register the walk off when Abraham Toro hit a single and Wilson scored for the M’s win.

It was a tough loss for the A’s but we saw a lot of good things happen in this game for Oakland. Paul Blackburn was excellent. The A’s defense was really good through eight innings. They just fell short in the ninth inning when it really counted. The home run in the eighth inning for the Mariners was the turning point in this game.

The A’s will get the opportunity to tie up this series tomorrow. Frankie Montas will take the mound for Oakland. He comes in with an ERA of 3.20. The Mariners Robbie Ray comes in with an ERA of 3.78. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM PT.