Shea Langeliers in the game against the Phillies on Saturday night in Sacramento. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics just can’t buy a win. The A’s battled on Saturday against one of the best teams in baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies. However, another late-inning bullpen meltdown cost the A’s in a 9-6 loss in 11 innings. The loss marked their 11th straight, and they now face the possibility of a winless 0-7 homestand if they can’t find a way to win on Sunday afternoon.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay described the emotions after the game, saying, “This game is challenging, and we’re in one of those really challenging times that tests character. And you know, you can either make excuses for it, or you can stand up and, you know, accept the accountability. And I think that these guys are doing that.”

The A’s continue to be let down by the bullpen. It’s largely the same group that helped secure wins earlier in the season. Granted, TJ McFarland is hurt and some arms have shuffled between Triple-A and the big leagues, but the core unit remains intact. Yet, once again, the bullpen surrendered a late lead on Saturday night.

The game was tied heading into the bottom of the eighth when A’s DH Brent Rooker sent a ball over the left-center field wall to give the A’s a late lead. As Rooker rounded the bases, A’s flamethrower Mason Miller could be seen getting ready in the bullpen.

In the ninth, Kotsay did indeed go to Miller to close it out. Miller, who gave up three runs just a day earlier, struck out Brandon Marsh to open the frame. It felt like order had been restored. But that feeling didn’t last, as Max Kepler launched a game-tying solo home run into the trees in right field. Miller would escape the inning without further damage, but the blown save was already in the books.

In the tenth, neither team scored, despite having chances. The A’s loaded the bases but couldn’t capitalize, as Brandon Marsh made a game-saving throw from center field to cut down Logan Davidson at the plate.

In the 11th, the Phillies broke through for three runs to all but seal the deal. The A’s couldn’t answer in the bottom half and fell by a 9-6 final.

The A’s have now dropped 11 straight games—the longest losing streak in MLB this season—and fall to 22-31 on the year.

With the win, the Phillies improved to 34-18 and have now won nine straight.

The A’s will try to avoid a sweep on Sunday as they send Gunnar Hogland (1-2, 5.06 ERA) to the mound against former Athletic Jesús Luzardo (5-0, 1.95 ERA). First pitch is set for 1:05 PM PST at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.