Oakland Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (22) warms up before the game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in DC (AP News photo)

A’s Give Up Lead In the Ninth-Fall to the Nationals 3-2

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (33-84) couldn’t hold onto a ninth inning lead and once again fell to the Washington Nationals (52-66) 3-2 at Nationals Park in DC on Saturday.

The Nationals got the first run of the game in the second inning, a fielders choice to third allowing Ildemaro Vargas to score giving Washington the early 1-0 lead.

Oakland took the lead with a home run in the third and sixth innings. JJ Bleday homered to center a 432 feet shot for the 1-1 tie. In the sixth inning Brent Rooker gave Oakland the lead 2-1 hitting s home run to right center field. The A’s had an opportunity to extend their lead in the seventh inning with two runners on base but left them both stranded.

A’s starting pitcher Luis Medina went 4.0 innings allowing four hits but limiting the damage to one run.

Oakland held onto the lead into the eighth when it began to unravel. With no outs the Nationals loaded the bases. The A’s relief pitcher Angel Felipe walked two runners and Jake All bunted. Washington tied up the game 2-2 when Lane Thomas singled and Stone Garrett scored. Washington left two runners stranded to end the eighth inning.

It was a three up three out ninth inning for the A’s and the Nationals were looking for the walkoff. It was a very brief ninth inning. Keibert Ruiz knocked the ball out of the park, a 391 feet shot to right giving the Nationals the come from behind win.

It was a tough loss for Oakland who came so close but could not hang onto the lead. It all came apart in the eighth inning and the A’s weren’t able to produce badly needed defense in the eighth inning.

A’s post game notes: Friday night the Oakland A’s began a three -game series with the Washington Nationals. The game started out well for Oakland leading 2-0 going into the second inning. It all fell apart for the remainder of the game for the A’s. The Nationals tied up the game 2-2 in the second inning. They went on to score in four of the next six innings winning the game 8-2.

Sunday the A’s will be looking to avoid a sweep in game three. Ken Waldichuk will take the mound for Oakland with a 2-7 win/loss record, ERA 6.30. Trevor Williams (5-7 ERA 5.00) will get the nod for Washington. First pitch is scheduled for 10:35 AM.