Oakland A’s hitter Zack Gelof with helmet on is congratulated by a teammate after hitting a three run home run in the top of the third inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sun Apr 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s had only won one game to start the 2024 season back on March 31st, a 4-3 decision over the Cleveland Guardians. This past Friday night the A’s played a very competitive Game One against the Detroit Tigers just coming up short 5-4, the game not being decided until the eighth inning.

Oakland came back in games two and three with great energy, incredible pitching and offense. It was the pitching that really stood out in both games. Paul Blackburn was sparkling in game two and Joe Boyle in game three showed some great stuff, some excellent command.

Neither of these games were close. The final score in game two was a shut-out 4-0 and game three was 7-1 with Oakland scoring in four innings.

Paul Blackburn has had a strong start this season. He threw more change-ups in game two then we are used to seeing. He has given up six hits and one walk in 13 scoreless innings this season. He successfully mixed his pitches keeping hitters off balance. He has done a terrific job so far this season. In game three Joe Boyle got the job done striking out six while pitching five scoreless innings.

Both Brent Rooker and Zach Gelof had great games throughout the series. In game three Gelof had his best game of the series with three runs, four hits and four RBIs. He also drew three walks in game three. He has been on fire in this series. Abraham Toro has also been having some nice games as had Seth Brown.

The A’s had the day off Monday before heading to the Lone Star state taking on the Texas Rangers in a three-game series that will get underway on Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 PM. Alex Wood will take the mound for Oakland looking for a third win in a row. The Rangers pitcher is yet to be determined.

The A’s should come into this game with a new resolves and a lot of confidence after winning their first series of the young season. The Rangers do have a 6-3 record and Oakland will have to shut down the likes of Marcus Semien, Cory Seager plus a plethora of .300 plus hitters on their roster. This will be a challenge for the A’s but they are showing some great signs of improvement over the start of the season.