J.T. Ginn in his first start coming off the IL with elbow inflammation. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics returned home Monday after a six-game road trip that took them through Los Angeles to face the Dodgers and San Francisco to take on the Giants. Back at Sutter Health Park, the A’s welcomed starter J.T. Ginn, who had been briefly sidelined earlier this month with elbow inflammation. However, the Angels spoiled Ginn’s return with a 4-3 victory.

The A’s bats haven’t had many answers lately, especially with runners in scoring position, and Monday was no exception. They went just 2-for-10 in those situations and managed only three runs against Angels pitching.

The A’s got their runs in the first and fifth innings but struggled to capitalize on their chances. In the first, Brent Rooker grounded into a double play that brought in the A’s first run, followed by a Shea Langeliers RBI single that scored Jacob Wilson. The offense stalled until the fifth inning, when Rooker singled home Tyler Soderstrom to trim the Angels’ lead to 4-3. That would be the final scoring threat, as the Angels’ bullpen shut things down the rest of the way.

Ginn pitched reasonably well in his return, going four innings and allowing six hits and four runs while striking out seven. Two home runs, however, proved costly and were the biggest blemishes in his outing.

The A’s bullpen was sharp on Monday. Mitch Spence delivered 2.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out three. Matt Krook retired the only batter he faced, and Michel Otanez followed with two dominant innings, striking out three and not allowing a hit.

In the end, the A’s couldn’t come up with the offense needed for a comeback. The loss was charged to Ginn, who fell to 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. Angels starter Jose Soriano earned the win, improving to 3-4 with a 3.57 ERA.

The A’s and Angels continue their series Tuesday night with Gunnar Hoglund (1-1, 3.78 ERA) taking the mound against Kyle Hendricks (1-5, 5.18 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT.