Category: MLB

A’s Bats Catch Fire Beating Braves 11-9

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s Miguel Andujar slugs a top of the first inning single against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Field in Cobb County on Sat Jun 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

The Oakland A’s (23-36) scored early and often in game two of their series with the Atlanta Braves (32-23). They led for much of the game winning the game 11-9. Max Schuemann and Miguel Andujar had four hits apiece in the game. They led by as much as 8-3. The Braves fought back scoring six runs in the fifth inning but the A’s held on for the win on Saturday.

Game recap: The A’s took the importance of scoring first to heart taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Daz Cameron doubled to left driving Shea Langeliers and Miguel Andujar home. It was a great way for the team to start a baseball game. Atlanta show some muscle of their own tying up the game 2-2 in the opening inning. Marcell Ozuna hit a home run with Austin Riley onboard and this game was tied.

The A’s took back the lead in the second inning scoring four runs and the Oakland bats were on fire. Max Schuemann got the inning started with a single that brought Zach Gelof home for a 3-2 lead. The home runs that were missing in Fridays game showed up in this one. Miguel Andujar hit a homer straight down center a three-run shot with Aledmys Diaz and Abraham Toro on base taking a 6-2 lead. The A’s were already having some quality at bats after only two innings.

Atlanta tacked on another run in the third inning but still trailing 6-3. Oakland struck again in the fourth inning with their second home run of the game off the bat of Brent Rooker with Max Schuemann on base and the A’s had extended their lead to 8-3. There was nothing that the A’s offense could do wrong so far in this game.

Atlanta had a huge fifth inning scoring six runs taking a 9-8 lead. The Braves Austin Riley singled Orlando Arcia home and Michael Harris II also scored on an Abraham Toro error. Marcell Ozuna singled Austin Riley home, Matt Olsen hit a two run homer and Adam Duvall singled Travis D’Arnaud home for the sixth run in the inning for an Atlanta lead their first in the game.

The A’s had some work to do trailing for the first time in the game. In the sixth inning Brent Rooker doubled, his second hit of the game, driving Miguel Andujar and Max Schuemann home taking back the lead 10-9.

This was an explosive offensive display by both teams. There were also some additional explosive moments in the sixth inning when manager Mark Kotsay was ejected from the game. Oakland would have to manage without their skipper for the remainder of the game. This ejection could have very well pushed the team onto this victory. They certainly did Mark Kotsay proud.

The A’s would be looking for some insurance runs in the latter innings of this game. In the eighth inning, Oakland got that insurance run when once again Miguel Andujar singled Max Schuemann home, now leading 11-9. Max Schuemann was 4 for 4 in the game, in fact, eight A’s had at least one hit in the game. In this back and forth game, besides Schuemann, Miguel Andujar also had four hits as both of these guys continue to shine bright.

It all came down to the ninth inning. Could Oakland hang onto the lead and come away with the victory? Closing A’s pitcher Dany Jimenez struck out the third at bat Adam Duvall and that was the ball game 11-9. The A’s finished this game with 16 hits in an amazing offensive effort.

Starting pitcher for Oakland Aaron Brooke finished 4.1 innings allowing seven hits, and seven runs. Atlanta starter Chris Sale also went four innings allowing nine hits, eight runs and strikeouts. The offensive effort from both teams were eating up both pitchers.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon game two between the A’s and the Braves got underway. Aaron Brooks started for the A’s although he gave up seven runs he did get help from the line up and the relievers preserved. Chris Sale was on the hill for the Braves pitched just four innings and the A’s drilled him for most their runs with eight.

The key of this game for the A’s was the offense and they were hitting the ball on the button on Saturday. The A’s scored twice in the first and four times in the second inning which gave the A’s a great chance winning in game two. The Braves have a deep offense as well as a solid defense. The win over Atlanta was very impressive indeed.

The rubber game of this series is scheduled for Sunday with first pitch at 10:35am PT. The A’s will start RHP Luis Medina (0-0, ERA 0.00) for the RHP Braves Charlie Morton (3-2, ERA 4.29) first pitch 10:35am PT.

Top of the 6th ejection of coach

8 for 16 with runners in scoring position

Yankees Judge goes deep twice on Giants in 6-2 win; Judge’s first game in SF

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The New York Yankees Alex Verdugo (24) and Aaron Judge (99) leap for joy after Judge’s home run in the top of the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium in New York on Fri May 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

New York (AL) (40-19). 003 003 000 6. 9. 0

San Francisco (29-29). 010.001 000. 2 7. 1

Time: 2:24

Attendance: 35,018

Friday, May 31, 2024

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–Friday night’s 6-2 loss to the American League leading New York Yankees was not entirely unexpected in spite of the home team’s just finished taking two out of three from the major league leading Philadelphia Phillies.

The Giants’ injury problems are too numerous and too well known to recount. Nevertheless, we have an update on them. Marco Luciano was placed on the 15 day IL after injuring his hamstring in last Wednesday’s game. Casey Schmitt has been recalled from Sacramento as his replacement. The good news is that Nick Ahmed is on the mind.

The visitors have an injury problem of their own. Clarke Schmidt, their number two starting pitcher, who was 5-3, 2.52 in 11 appearances this year, was placed on the 15 day injured list, retroactive to May 27, yesterday.

Dr. Neal ElAtrrache, whose name has become familiar to Giants’ fans in the past few weeks, diagnosed Schmidt with a right lateral strain. The right hander was the probable pitcher for Saturday’s, contest, but isn’t expected to throw for at least four weeks.

Cody Poteet will replace Schmidt in the rotation, and Cody Morris will take his place in the roster. Gerrit Cole, who went 15-4, 2.63 last year, still is out of action and will have to wait a few weeks before he can combat test his inflamed elbow

Jordan Hicks, who used to be a reliever, hasn’t acted in that capacity all this season. This was his 12th start of the year, and he brought a record of 4-1,2.33 to it. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve; the 27 year old righty wears the inscription “Type 1” on his cleats because he, like the A’s rookie phenom, Mason Miller, is a type one diabetic.

Hicks underperformed tonight. He exited the scene after hurling 5-1/3 innings, in which he delivered 101 pitches, 68 of which went into the books as strikes. Four of the five runs he was charged with were earned, and they came on eight hits, two of which left the park. He didn’t walk anybody, though, and notched four Ks. He was the losing pitcher and went home with a record of 4-2, 2.70.

Hicks was matched against nine year veteran and two time all-star Marcus Stroman. It also was his 12th start of the year, and he came into it at 4-2, 2.76, with an ERA of 1.78 in his previous five. He hadn’t allowed a run in three of his 11 starts.

Friday night, however, Hicks gave up two runs, both earned, before Luke Weaver relieved him with one out and the bases empty in the home half of the eighth and finished up the game by allowing only a ninth inning single to Estrada. Stroman threw 91 pitches, 56 for strikes, and allowed six hits and two walks on the way to gaining his fifth win and lowering his already impressive earned run average to 2.73.

San Francisco thwarted The Curse of the Leadoff Double to draw first blood in the second inning. Patrick Bailey followed Matt Chapman’s Texas League two bagger to right right with a line drive that just barely evaded second sacker Glyber Torres’ glove for a single to right that put runners on the corners. Jorge Soler’s sacrifice fly to right brought Chapman home.

That advantage was short lived. Aaron Judge gave it a death sentence with his 394 foot blast over the Hanwha Life advertisement for his 19th home run and 42nd, 43rd, and 44th RBI of the season. Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto, each of whom had singled, were on base with one man out at the time.

Judge homered again in his next at bat a towering 426 foot blast over the fence, into the net just to the right of the Giants’ bullpen, making it 4-1 in the top of the sixth. After that Hicks retired Verdugo, surrendered an infield hit to Torres, and retired for the night.

Taylor Rogers replaced him, and all hell broke loose. Anthony Rizzo smacked an authoritative double to right, moving Torres to third. In his attempt to relay Mike Yastrzemski’s throw from right Rogers overthrew home and allowed both Torres and Rizzo to score. The Bronx Bombers now held a 6-1 lead.

A two out double in the bottom of the inning by Mike Yastrzemski with Trenton Brooks, who had walked, on base inched the Giants closer by a run. They never got closer.

Luke Jackson set the visitors down in order in their half of the seventh. Sean Hjelle opened the top of the eighth by retiring Judge, who had gone three for three, on a fly to right and putting the Yanks down without allowing any one to reach base safely in that inning or the ninth.

However disappointing the defeat was, the Giants’ first baseman, Brooks had the consolation of getting his first major league hit, a single to right in third. He was wiped out in the next play when Luis Matos hit into a 6-4-3 twin killing and walked and struck out in his two remaining plate appearances.

Saturday, evening the plan is for the Giants’ RHP Logan Webb (4-4, 2.74) to face off against the Yankees RHP Cody Poteet (1-0, 1.50). It probably will offer San Francisco its best shot for winning one of the three games in this series. First pitch is slated for 7:05pm PT.

A’s Fall in First Game of Three Game Series With Atlanta 4-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s pitcher JP Sears delivers against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the first inning at Truist Park in Cobb County on Fri May 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Atlanta Braves (32-23) pitcher Reynaldo Lopez proved to be too hot to handle for the Oakland A’s (23-36) on Friday night at Truist Park in Cobb County. He struck out eight A’s which was his season high. The Oakland A’s had six hits in the game but once again failed to score until the fourth inning. The Braves scored in both the first and second innings as Oakland found themselves behind the eight ball, a place they have been in for much of the season.

Game recap: The Braves wasted no time taking control of this game from the start scoring in both the first and the second innings. Matt Olson sacrificed and Austin Riley scored for the first run of the game for Atlanta. The Braves went on to score twice in the second inning. Jarred Kelenic doubled Sean Murphy and Michael Harris II home for an early 3-0 lead.

Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning 3-1 when Zach Gelof sacrificed Miguel Andujar home. The Braves had scored a single run in the sixth inning when Orlando Arcia sacrificed Matt Olsen home for their fourth run of the game.

Oakland had JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker on base in the eighth inning leaving them both standed. The A’s would not score again until the ninth inning. Zach Gelof crossed home plate for Oakland’s final run the score 4-2 in the ninth inning in favor of the Braves.

JP Sears went seven innings allowing six hits, four earned runs, two walks with five strikeouts. He was relieved by Brady Basso who pitched a single inning allowing no hits, no runs with one strikeout.

Game notes: The A’s rolled into Atlanta after a most frustrating series with the Tampa Bay Rays. The A’s had won the first game of the Rays series and dropped a couple of one run games one of which went 12 innings. The Braves have been playing solid ball sitting in second place behind the Phillies in the National League East. This game was a real challenge for Oakland.

JP Sears took the mound for Oakland and struggled in the first two innings giving up a run in the first inning and two runs in the second inning. Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez pitched six innings gave up four hits and one earned run and struck out eight batters .

The A’s have this weekend to try and come away with some success in this series. On the mound for Oakland will be Aaron Brooks with a 0-2, 3.63 ERA. The Braves will feature Chris Sale on the hill with an 8-1 win/loss record and a 2.12 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s need to start moving runners in scoring position are now 2-17

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s Shea Langeliers is congratulated by Miguel Andujar at the plate after hitting a top third inning two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Thu May 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Tampa Bay Rays Jose Siri tied it with a ninth inning with a home run Richie Palacios got an RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Rays won it on a one run game 6-5 on Thursday.

#2 The loss was the A’s third in their last four games. Reliever Mason Miller made an appearance but was charged with his first blown save in 12 relief outings, pitching two plus innings, giving up one hit and one earned run, three walks and four strikeouts.

#3 A’s manager Mark Kotsay said with Miller on the mound he’s very confident he can get the job done. Ultimately Miller was going to run into a game like this.

#4 The A’s are not getting any scoring with running in scoring position going 2-17. If the A’s were to capitalize with runners in scoring position they might have scratched a few of those losses.

#5 The A’s continue this road trip to Cobb County to take on the Braves at Truist Park starting Friday night. The Braves are a tough customer having won five of their last ten games. The Braves are second place in the NL East behind the Philadelphia Phillies by six games. Starting pitcher for the A’s JP Sears (4-3, ERA 3.88) for the Atlanta Braves Reynaldo Perez (2-2, ERA 1.75) with a first pitch at 4:10pm PT. Jeremiah break it down how do you see this series coming up.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Oakland A’s podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s brass with very little communications on relocation moves

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Convention And Authority president Steven Hill says the Oakland A’s brass has been communicating less then the Raiders did because when the Raiders came to Vegas it was something new. (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Oakland A’s brass has had very little communications with it front office personnel as to how the move to Sacramento will all take place. Who will not be going to Sacramento and who will be going. A’s employees have not been informed and have no clue what owner John Fisher and team president David Kaval have planned for 2025?

#2 The same can be said for the Las Vegas Convention And Authority president Steven Hill who assured the Las Vegas Review Journal that the A’s are coming and the A’s can finance the stadium. But that drum beat has been going on since the MLB owners approved by a majority vote to move the A’s to Las Vegas but still no explanation on how Fisher plans to come up with his share of the construction costs to the tune of $500 million.

#3 Hill said that there wasn’t as many meetings between the LVCVA and the A’s like there were with the Las Vegas Raiders because this was all new during the Raiders move to Allegiant Stadium. It still doesn’t add up why the A’s won’t communicate and if they do very little. Knowing how the A’s have operated in the past on the following season’s communications they will let you know usually after Christmas.

#4 The local paper Review Journal is having a hard time getting any kind of quote from Fisher or Kaval regarding the ballpark construction payments. The sentiment because the Review Journal has been all in in support for the A’s move to Vegas but the Journal is having a tough time just getting a quote from the A’s.

#5 Daniel a septic tank was found at the entrance of the demoed part of the building at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Where a cherry picker partially tipped over into the underground septic tank. A fine way to get the demo started?

Join Daniel Dullum for the A’s relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

#4

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024The Final Season at the Oakland Coliseum -(Part II)

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) and New York Yankees pitcher Jim Catfish Hunter in 1975 at the Oakland Coliseum (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024

The Final Season at the Oakland Coliseum -(Part II)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

One of the many great moments in the history of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum happened in 1975 when ex-A’s Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter visited the Coliseum, this time wearing his New York Yankee uniform.

A year before this visit, he traded his bright yellow A’s uniform for Yankee pinstripes after a dispute over a technicality in his contract with A’s owner Charles O. Finley. His last year with the Oakland A’s (1974), Hunter ended with a record of 25-12 and a 2.49 earned run average, starting 41 games and winning the American League Cy Young Award.

Then Hunter signed a five-year contract estimated at $3.75 million, ending American sports history’s most celebrated bidding war. The total value of the pact sets a record for baseball. January 1, 1975. At the end of that 1975 season, Jim “Catfish” Hunter had a record of 23-14 with a 2.58 earned run average in 30 starts. Jim “Catfish” Hunter owns the All-Time pitching record in wins at the Oakland Coliseum (including with A’s and visiting team) a total of 80 games won at the Coliseum.

In 1987 and with the Oakland A’s uniform, Jim “Catfish”Hunter was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Jim “Catfish”Hunter pitched from 1965 to 1979 (15 years) with Kansas City and Oakland A’s then with the New York Yankees.

Hunter’s Record: 224-166, 3.26 earned run average, 181 complete games over 3,449 1/3 innings pitched. PERFECTO: On May 8, 1968, Jim “Catfish” Hunter of the Oakland Athletics pitched the ninth perfect game in Major League Baseball history, defeating the Minnesota Twins …

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Lose In 12th Inning to Tampa Bay 6-5 In Another Walk-Off; Oakland’s 3rd loss in last 4 games

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s second baseman Zack Gelof put the tag out on the Tampa Bay Rays Randy Arozarena on a pick off move in the bottom of the fifth inning at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Thu May 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (23-35) suffered their second walk-off loss in a row 6-5 against the Tampa Bay Rays (28-29) Thursday in game three of their series. Oakland had multiple opportunities to save this game, the most glaring a bases loaded situation in the tenth inning with no outs. Mason Miller suffered his first blown save of the season.

Game recap: The Rays got a quick start scoring three runs in the opening innings. It was a rough start for Hogan Harris giving up two home runs. Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes hit a two-run homer in the first inning for a 2-0 Rays lead. Tampa Bay would hit a second home run, a solo shot, in the second inning and Jose SIri had given the Rays a 3-0 lead.

Oakland went into the third inning with some work to do. Brent Rooker got the inning started with a double and Abraham Toro scored on an error for their first run of the game. Miguel Andujar singled continuing on a great run bringing Brent Rooker home and the A’s now trailed by a single run.3-2. Oakland was not finished; they would take the lead after trailing 3-0. Shea Langeliers homered for a two-run shot and Oakland had taken a 4-3 lead.

Oakland hung onto the slim lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning. Mason Miller came onboard in the ninth inning looking to close this one out. Miller faced Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario striking both of them out.

This guy has been brilliant all season finishing off games in high style crushing teams. They say all good things must end and Miller suffered his first hiccup of the season. Jose Siri connected for his second home run of the game tying this one up 4-4. Miller went on to strike the side out and this game went into extra innings.

The A’s took the lead back in the tenth inning. Abraham Toro singled in the tenth driving Max Schuemann home for a 5-4 lead. Toro leads the league with the most multi-hit games this month with 14 really coming through for Oakland in the month of May.

The A’s had a great opportunity to score more runs with the bases loaded and no outs but Andjuar grounded into a double play and Langeliers struck out. The failure to score more runs in this inning would come back to haunt Oakland.

The Rays tied this game back up in the tenth inning 5-5 and it was on to the eleventh inning in this marathon. A Randy Arozarena sacrifice fly brought Jose Caballero home leveling this game. Neither team scored in the eleventh inning.

Tampa Bay closed this game out in the 12th inning winning the game 6-5. Palacios singled Caballero home and the Rays had their second walk-off win in a row having won their first yesterday 4-3.

Game notes: Thursday the A’s and the Rays met in the rubber match of their three game series. The A’s made it contest but just couldn’t score in extra innings. Hogan Harris who started this game for Oakland went 5.2 innings allowing 4 hits, one run, 3 walks and 7 strikeouts. Tampa Bay starter Shawn Armstrong went two innings, two hits and one strikeout.

Reliever Mason Miller pitched two innings the ninth and 10th before being relieved by Tyler Ferguson in the 11th inning. This was Miller’s first blown save of the season. He went two innings allowing one hit, one run with four strikeouts.

There will not be a lot of time to reflect on these two tough losses. The team is on their way to Atlanta for a three game series with the Braves. JP Sears will take the mound for Oakland with a 4-3 Win/Loss record and a 3.88 ERA. Reynaldo Lopez will be on the hill for the Braves with a 2-2 win/loss record and a 1.75 ERA. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 4:20 PM.

Negro League records integrated with MLB podcast with Bruce Magowan: Josh Gibson moves into No. 1 spot in key records

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Homestead Gray and Negro Leagues superstar Josh Gibson. Gibson played in the Negro Leagues from 1930-1946 (photo from Sean Gibson)

Negro League records integrated with MLB podcast with Bruce Magowan:

#1 Bruce, Josh Gibson’s home run record is listed as somewhere between 150-200 but it is believed that Gibson hit up to 800-1000 home runs but there no records kept at the time to substantiate it.

#2 Bruce one of the greatest hitters of all time is now listed as Major League Baseball’s all time career leader with a lifetime average of .372 Gibson now moves ahead of Ty Cobb who formerly led with .367.

#3 Also Gibson over takes New York Yankees Babe Ruth in slugging percentage at .718 and an OPS 1.177 and passes Babe Ruth at .690 and 1.164.

#4 Some of Gibson’s home runs were hit unofficial games but it’s estimated that he hit a home run per every 16 at bats.

#5 Gibson also played in the Negro Leagues East-West All Star game 12 times. He played in two All Star games in three different years in 1939 at Comiskey Park and Yankees Stadium, in 1942 Yankee Stadium and Griffith Stadium and in 1946 at Griffith Stadium and Yankee Stadium.

Bruce Magowan is a podcast contributor for http://www.sportsradioservice.com and a former sports anchor at 740 KCBS

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants open 3 game series with Yankees Friday; SF wins 3 game set from Phils

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Philadelphia Phillies Nick Castellanos clubs his 7th home run of the season a two run blast in the top of the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu May 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 The Philadelphia Phillies Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber connected for home runs against the San Francisco Giants in a 6-1 win at Oracle Park in Thursday afternoon. Those are two hitters you have to pitch very carefully to as the Giants found out.

#2 Things got a little testy in the top of the fourth inning when the Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper got out of the way of a second inside pitch that was around the head area by Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison. The first pitch by Harrison to Harper was an inside pitch that was a fast ball. After the second pitch offering both benches emptied and there was a lot of milling around the infield but no punches thrown. No ejections but warnings to both benches were issued.

#3 Castellano was having himself an afternoon against the Giants adding a double and a single. Kyle Schwarber’s home run was his 11th of the season.

#4 Giants starter Kyle Harrison started and pitched five innings, gave up 12 hits and four runs and five strike outs. Do you think that Harrison might have thrown at Harper out of frustration that Harrison was getting hit pretty good?

#5 Up next for the Giants they’ll host the New York Yankees opening up the series on Friday night. No starting pitcher has been announced as of yet by manager Aaron Boone. The Giants will start RHP Jordan Hicks (4-1 ERA 2.33) How do you see this match up and this series?

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Fall Short In Game Two Losing to Tampa Bay In Walk-Off 4-3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Tampa Bay Rays Brandon Lowe slides in safely ahead of the ball as the Oakland A’s third baseman Abraham Toro anticipates the throw in the bottom of the fourth at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Wed May 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (23-34) scored first in game two of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays (27-29) but they were unable to hang onto the lead falling behind in the seventh inning 3-2. They did tie up the game in the eighth inning 3-3 but Tampa Bay prevailed winning in a walk-off 4-3. The rubber match of this series will be played early Thursday afternoon as the A’s will be looking to win the series.

Game recap: Oakland’s Joey Estes had a great outing going five innings and allowing two hits, one run with five strikeouts. Tyler Ferguson relieved Estes briefly but was pulled in the sixth inning having allowed three hits and one run. Alexander took over for Ferguson in the sixth inning.

In the sixth inning, Andujar hit an infield single driving Abraham Toro home taking back the lead 2-1. The Oakland lead was short-lived however when Brandon Lowe scored off a Jonathan Aranda single to tie up the game once against 2-2.

The Rays took their first lead of the game in the seventh inning. Isaac Paredes doubled and Palacios scored for a 3-2 lead. Oakland kept the damage to a minimum throwing Yandy Diaz out at home for the third out.

Oakland refused to let down scoring in the eighth inning to tie up the game. JJ Bleday singled but was thrown out trying to reach second. Max Schuemann was able to score to level this game 3-3.

With no outs in the third inning and a runner on third Tampa Bay was in a great place to walk this game off. Jose Siri singled Amed Rosario home and that was the ball game 4-3. It was a tough game for Oakland losing in a very competitive game.

Post game notes: As in Tuesday’s game, the A’s scored first in this game. They took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when the red hot Miguel Andujar hit a sacrifice fly and JJ Bleday scored for the early lead. The Rays answered right back in the same inning tying up the game 1-1. Brandon Lowe scorched a triple to left and Isaac Paredes scored for the tie game.

The two teams meet in the rubber match of this series Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 AM. The A’s have not announced a starter and the Rays are starting RHP Shawn Armstrong (1-1, ERA 3.91) .