Category: MLB

San Francisco Musters Little Offense Losing Game Two to the Nationals in a 3-0 Shutout

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

James Wood puts good wood on the baseball for a two run home run for the Washington Nationals against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sat May 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (30-22) lost game two in their series with the Washington Nationals (24-28) 3-0. The Giants generated very little offense with only three hits. The National’s pitcher Jake Irvin blew through batter after batter going eight innings.

San Francisco’s lack of hitting has been obvious for the last seven or so games. The Giants will be looking to win this series in Sunday’s rubber game. They still have a chance for a series win but they have to get their bats going and play with a lot more intensity.

Game recap: After the lack of scoring in Friday’s game, the Nationals got up on the scoreboard in the first inning taking an early 2-0 lead when James Wood hit a home run with Amed Rosario on base for the early lead.

The Giants were looking for their first run of the game and through eight innings they had come up empty. The Nationals added another run in the seventh inning when Robert Hassell III grounded out to the pitcher and Luis Garcia Jr. scored giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Through eight innings the Giants only had three hits while the Nationals had eight.

It had been a silent day for San Francisco at the plate going into the ninth inning. They were three outs away from losing game two. The Nationals pitcher Jake Irving had an amazing time on the mound lasting eight innings allowing the three hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was handling the Giant’s batters with ease. He was relieved by Jorge Lopez who came in to close out this game for Washington.

San Francisco had their final chance going into the ninth inning. Jung Hoo Lee was first up at the plate but grounded out to the pitcher. Wilmer Flores struck out with Matt Chapman the Giant’s last hope at the plate. Chapman hit a deep ball to right field but Daylen Lyle made an amazing play stretching for the final out and that was the ball game 3-0 in favor of the Nationals to even up the series.

The Nationals pitcher had a great game with Jake Irvin going for eight innings. He just blasted through the Giant’s lineup in record time, the game lasting only 1:52. He used his sinker very well pitching to the Giant’s weakness. He only gave up the three hits with seven strikeouts and now has a 4-1 win/loss record. In this game he had 96 total pitches and 64 of them were strikes.

Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison lasted four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. He did not walk any batters and had four strikeout. He was relieved by Tristan Beck who allowed two hits and the third run with two strikeouts and went for three innings.

This was the fifth time the Giants have been shutout this season. San Francisco got completely shut down and didn’t even have a hit after the fifth inning and didn’t have a runner in scoring position after the fourth. They had very few scoring opportunities. With the series all tied up, the rubber game will be played Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 10:35AM PDT.

Game notes: The Giants took on the Nationals Saturday afternoon in the second of their two game series at Nationals Park. San Francisco won game one day 4-0 after six scoreless innings by both teams. The Giants got on the board in the seventh scoring two runs extending their lead in the eighth inning with two more runs for the eventual final of 4-0.

The Giants starter Kyle Harrison struggled pitching four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. The Nats starter Jake Irvin had a strong outing going eight innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Robbie Ray will take the mound for San Francisco who has been pitching very well with a 6-0 win/loss record and a 2.67 ERA so the Nationals will be challenged by him. Washington will start Michael Soroka who has a 1-2 win/loss record with a 5.95 ERA.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s manager shows discontent with Sutter Health Park

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A’s manager Mark Kotsay checks things out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning on June 29, 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Kotsay recently said that he can not see the ball when it’s going down the left field line from the A’s dugout at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. (AP file photo)

A’s Manager shows Discontent with Sutter Health Park

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Players complaining is one thing, and many times it goes ignored by…well, they’re players in a way spoiled, after all, they are playing in the Major Leagues, making more money than most of us can count. But when the Manager is also unhappy with where his home team is playing, that is another thing.

This was the case for A’s Manager Mark Kotsay during a game against the LA Angels recently at Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento. Imagine a manager sitting in the dugout watching the game, and during a controversial play and call by an umpire, he had to say this to the media: “I’m completely blind on anything that goes down the left field line.” Because Kotsay could not see they play as it was happening

It should not be a surprise since the ownership decided to play 81 home games in a Minor League Park, during that play A’s Manager said, “I was relying on the umpire crew to see the play and make the call, and then from his replay team to tell him to challenge it.”

According to today’s MLB regulations, MLb has 15 seconds to ask for replay reviews. What happens at Sutter Health Park should not surprise anybody, but when stuff like this happens, it is confirmation of the ineptness of their front office management.

The A’s most expensive signing this off-season, Luis Severino, their number one starter, has called Sutter Health Park “not a big league park.” He has also highlighted issues with the clubhouse location and the stadium’s size and noted how they affect his routine and rhythm as a pitcher. For the record, he is not having a good start.

With all the problems the Oakland A’s had at the Oakland Coliseum, as dated as it was, it was still a Major League facility—not the best, but still to Major League standards, the condition of the field was excellent all the time, I spoke to many players who played for the A’s and from visiting teams who told me the infield and outfield were always in excellent condition, some infielders told me: “it is soft and smooth infield and easy to field the ball”. Some fans who traveled from the Bay Area and many hardcore veteran A’s fans who were curious about the experience in Sacramento said they had concerns about the long lines for concessions, the lack of MLB-standard amenities, and the cost of parking and food.

I can imagine what many A’s players believe (but will not say) about playing in this facility. It would not be an exaggeration on my part (from personal experience through the years) of what players are thinking. They are probably the ONLY team in Major League Baseball that cannot wait to go on a long road trip.

This popular quote is in doubt for the A’s today in Sacramento

“There’s nothing like playing at home.” – This quote expresses the unique and positive feeling of playing in front of a home crowd.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Lopez Shines in Duel, but A’s Fall 4-3 to Phillies After Ninth-Inning Collapse

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Jacob Lopez during his start on Friday. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — For the second straight night, the A’s got a great effort from their starting pitcher. This time, it was Jacob Lopez who turned in a fantastic outing to give the A’s a chance to snap their losing streak. Yet, an all-too-familiar late-inning bullpen mishap spoiled the A’s chances as they lost to the Phillies 4-3 at Sutter Health Park.

Lopez was fantastic. His only blemish was a solo home run by Trea Turner to lead off the game. Otherwise, he tossed a masterful seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball, striking out eight and surrendering only one walk.

After the game, Lopez described his turnaround from his last start for the A’s: “I went back to Las Vegas and just really focused on getting ahead and being the aggressor and pounding the strike zone…”

Lopez indeed displayed his strike-throwing prowess, with his only walk coming against Kyle Schwarber in the first inning.

“This was a great night. A big performance out of Jacob. He’s going up against one of the best pitchers in the game right now and matched him inning for inning pretty much,” Mark Kotsay said of Jacob Lopez following the loss.

On the other side, Zack Wheeler stifled the A’s offense, allowing just three hits over six and two-thirds innings of work.

Justin Sterner relieved Lopez in the eighth and tossed a scoreless inning to keep the game a 1-0 affair.

In the top of the ninth, the A’s brought in Mason Miller looking to keep the game close. Unfortunately for the A’s, Miller was not sharp, surrendering three runs on four hits while recording only two outs. He was relieved by Anthony Maldonado, who recorded the final out of the frame.

Down 4-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the A’s didn’t give in. Brent Rooker singled to start the inning, followed by a walk to Shea Langeliers. After Miguel Andujar struck out, Nick Kurtz—who seems to be finding his power stroke—hit a booming 425-foot home run to straightaway center to bring the A’s within one. That would be the last of the scoring, however, as the A’s ultimately fell 4-3.

“One thing I want to talk about is the fight that the club showed and the at-bats they took in the ninth inning. That says a lot about where we’re at—the focus that we have—and that we are able to continue to focus on the positives through a difficult time. There’s not a lack of effort in that locker room. There’s still fight in that locker room, and these guys will get through this,” Kotsay said about his team’s outlook during this rough stretch.

With the loss, the A’s skid balloons to 10 games as they fall to 22-30 on the season. The Phillies have now won eight straight and sit at 33-18 in 2025.

On Saturday, the A’s will try once again to snap the losing streak as they send Jeffrey Springs (5-3, 3.91 ERA) to the hill against Cristopher Sánchez (4-1, 3.10 ERA), who will start for Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM PST at Sutter Health Park.

Note of the day: Denzel Clarke made his major league debut on Friday, manning center field for the Athletics. Clarke, who was pinch-hit for in the ninth, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts looking. It’s worth noting that neither of those strikeouts came on pitches that should have been called strikes—home plate umpire Bill Miller missed the mark on both strike-three calls, as replay clearly showed they were outside the zone. Clarke dazzled in the field, catching a ball in left-center that had a 20% catch probability.

After the game, Denzel spoke with the media about his debut: “The experience was awesome. Playing against guys that you grew up watching on TV on the same field as them is really, really cool… I honestly thought I would be really nervous going into today, but I felt really relaxed. Same game, just a different level. I’m just very happy to go out there and play the game I love at the highest level today.”

Landen Roupp Leads Giants to a Win Against Nationals in Game One 4-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

By Barbara Mason

San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp pitched six innings of five hit ball against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

The San Francisco Giants (30-21) beat the Washington Nationals (23-28) in game one of their series 4-0 at Nationals Park in Washington DC. The keys to this game were the Giants Willy Adames single driving in Jung Hoo Lee for the first run of the game in the seventh inning 1-0.

The Nationals walked in a run in the same inning extending the San Francisco lead to 2-0. Wilmer Flores’ had his 43rd RBI driving in a second run from Lee and a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning. A wild pitch allowed a fourth San Francisco run and the great start that Mackenzie Gore had given Washington faded quickly when he left the game in the seventh inning.

Game recap: Going into the bottom of the fourth inning the game remained scoreless. Neither team was having a lot of offense as this pitchers duel went into the fifth inning. Through four innings, each team had two hits. The Giant’s starter Landon Roupp was having a great showing on the mound.

He knocked out the first three at bats for Washington in the opening inning, allowed a double in the second and a single in the third. He did walk Luis Garcia Jr. in the fourth inning but that would be it for Washington. Gore was also having a very solid game only allowing two hits through the four innings.

As this game wore on the stalemate continued going into the top of the seventh inning. The pitchers duel continued into the inning. Lee walked in the top of the inning and the Giants had another runner on base with no outs.

Gore left the game in the inning and was relieved by Jackson Rutledge. Gore had been hit in the leg in the second inning which could have been the reason for the eventual relief. Both the trainer and manager came out to the mound making the decision although Gore argued that he was ok.

Rutledge walked Matt Chapman and San Francisco had runners at first and second still with no outs. The Nationals had their second double play of the game with Lee advancing to third.

Adames singled Lee home and the Giants were first up on the scoreboard with the first run of the game 1-0. San Francisco still had two runners on base, Adames and Casey Schmitt looking to extend their lead.

Rutledge walked Mike Yastrzemski and the Giants had the bases loaded with a great chance for more. Rutledge walked in a run and the Giants had drawn five walks in the inning now leading 2-0. That would be it for Rutledge as Zach Brzykcy came in to relieve him the bases still loaded. Brzykcy got out of the inning putting an end to any more San Francisco runs.

The Nationals put two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh and that would be it for Roupp. Randy Rodriguez one of the Giants best relievers took the mound. The Giants got out of the inning with a double play taking the 2-0 lead into the top of the eighth inning and the combination of Roupp and Rodriguez had been perfect.

The Giants got a great jump in the eighth inning off hits from Lee and Chapman, now with runners at the corners and one out. Flores singled driving in his 43rd of the season and San Francisco had a 3-0 lead. A wild pitch scored a fourth Giant’s run and not much was going right for the Nationals trailing 4-0.

Erik Miller took the mound for the Giants in the bottom of the eighth inning. He allowed one walk but that would be it for the Nationals who were three outs away from losing the first game of the series.

Camilo Duval closed out this game for San Francisco in the ninth inning. Nathaniel Lowe popped, Keibert Ruiz flied out and Luis Garcia Jr. lined out and that was the ball game 4-0 in favor of San Francisco.

Game notes: After dropping their last series to the Kansas City Royals winning game two but losing the first and third game, the Giants left the Bay Area traveling back east for a series with the Washington Nationals Friday night.

For the Giants starter Roupp pitched six innings allowing five hits and didn’t allow a run with two walks and two strike outs. For the Nat’s starter MacKenzie Gore pitched six innings allowing two hits and one earned run.

San Francisco was able to get back on track holding down second place in the National League West right now trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games.

This was exactly the way that the San Francisco Giants wanted to get this road trip underway. They will be looking for a second win Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM. Lefty Kyle Harrison will take the mound for San Francisco with a 0-0, 3.38 ERA. The Nationals will start Jake Irvin who had a 3-1 win/loss record and a 3.88 ERA.

A’s Make Roster Moves Ahead of Phillies Series Amid Nine-Game Skid

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Seth Brown (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics made a flurry of roster moves on Friday following a four-game sweep at home against the Los Angeles Angels. The A’s, now losers of nine straight games, will look to get back on track against the Philadelphia Phillies, who come to Sacramento having won their last seven contests.

A’s roster moves leaving the big league club:

The Athletics optioned RHP Carlos Duran to Triple-A Las Vegas. Duran made his MLB debut just yesterday (Thursday) for the Athletics. Duran, who missed most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery while with the Dodgers organization, walked three batters and gave up three runs, managing to record only one out in his debut.

The Athletics optioned C Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Las Vegas. Pereda struggled in 42 plate appearances with the A’s this season, batting only .167 while managing just one extra-base knock.

The Athletics optioned OF JJ Bleday to Triple-A Las Vegas. JJ has struggled with the big league club this year, hitting only .204 for the A’s. He did manage six home runs up until his demotion on Friday.

The Athletics DFA’d OF/1B Seth Brown. Drafted by the A’s in 2015 out of Lewis-Clark State College, Brown made his MLB debut for the A’s in 2019. Brown was the longest-tenured Athletics player on the roster prior to Friday’s move, playing parts of seven seasons with the A’s. His best season came in 2022 when he posted a 1.9 WAR, a .230 average, and clubbed 25 homers. This will most likely be the end of Brown’s tenure with the A’s as he is exposed to waivers and may be claimed by any club.

A’s roster moves joining the big league club:

The Athletics have recalled LHP Jacob Lopez from Triple-A Las Vegas. Lopez will make the start for the A’s on Friday against the Phillies.

The Athletics have recalled INF CJ Alexander from Triple-A Las Vegas.

The Athletics have recalled OF Denzel Clarke from Triple-A Las Vegas. Clarke, who is seen as an elite defender, will take over the majority of the work in center field vacated by JJ Bleday. Per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, A’s GM David Forst confirmed the plans for Clarke. Clarke is in the starting lineup for the A’s tonight, batting ninth and playing center field.

The Athletics selected INF/OF Logan Davidson from Triple-A Las Vegas. Davidson, selected in the first round by the A’s in the 2019 draft, plays multiple positions. He will undoubtedly serve in a utility role for the A’s and was hitting .303 with a .879 OPS for the Aviators.

The Athletics selected C Willie MacIver from Triple-A Las Vegas. Willie will serve as the replacement for Jhonny Pereda in backup duties behind Shea Langeliers.

A’s injury roster moves:

Zack Gelof was transferred to the 60-Day IL as he recovers from a fractured hamate bone. A stress reaction in Gelof’s ribs has delayed his return.

The A’s placed INF Gio Urshela on the 10-Day IL with a hamstring injury he suffered yesterday against the Angels.

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025: Former Brewer Ruf’s career ending injury over metal at end of tarp; When will Mets Soto snap out of funk?; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Milwaukee Brewer Darin Ruf hit his knee while chasing a foul pop towards the stands. The tarp had a metal ending that he hit his knee on. Ruf said the injury ended his career on June 2, 2023. (AP News file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025:

#1 Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Darin Ruf got hurt by a metal ending from the tarp at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati which he said caused him career ending injuries two years ago. Ruf during the June 2, 2023 game gave chase of a pop up toward the first base stands in foul ground hit his knee on the metal ending of the tarp rolled up by the stands. Ruf had successes with the San Francisco Giants 2021 and 2022 before going to Milwaukee.

#2 Michael, what is wrong with the New York Mets Juan Soto. You remember the one game where he didn’t leave the batters box and watch a fly ball hit the fence and he only got a single out of it. He might eventually get out of this funk but is the pressure of being one of the highest paid players in the number one market something that’s been overwhelming for him?

#3 Since the 1962 New York Mets it took until 2024 for another team to become the worst team in MLB history in the Chicago White Sox. The Sox this season have some competition with the Colorado Rockies who are on a pace to catch and pass the Sox. After a 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday the Rockies now have dropped their record to 8-42 and have the worst start of a club in MLB history in the first 50 games. That record was previously held by the 2023 Oakland A’s who were 10-40.

#4 The Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward belted a grand slam and the Angels took it to the Sacramento A’s on Thursday afternoon with a 10-5 win. For the Angels a seven game win streak for the A’s their ninth consecutive loss. To think the A’s at the beginning of this month were just one game away to get a tie for first place in the AL West but have since sank to dead last place.

#5 After rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee Atlanta Brave Ronald Acuna will be returning to the Braves on Friday night. Acuna has been out for almost a year after injuring the knee May 26, 2024. He had surgery on June 6th. Acuna returns to the Braves after playing six games in the minors going 6-15 hitting two home runs. How ready is Acuna for his return?

Join Michael Duca Fridays for the MLB The Show podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Home field advantage just isn’t working as A’s drop 9th straight game to Angels

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino (40) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels line up in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Thu May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Jeremiah, another tough loss for the Sacramento A’s dropping a four game home series with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday afternoon at Sutter Health Park 10-5. Even with home field advantage the A’s just can’t get any traction going.

#2  The Angels Taylor Ward hit a grand slam and the Angels never looked back. Logan O’Hoppe slugged a home run as the Halos poured it on with five runs in the seventh inning.

#3 For the Angels things are going well they have now won seven games in a row and the Los Angeles Dodgers are part of that mix besides the Athletics.

#4 Starter for the A’s Luis Severino looked good at the beginning going six innings, allowing seven hits and two runs it’s like you were saying in your article Severino gave it his all but the bullpen just collapsed.

#5 Up next for the A’s the Philadelphia Phillies come calling. Starting pitcher for the Phillies Zack Wheeler (5-1 ERA 2.67) and A’s manager Mark Kotsay has not announced a starter for Friday night yet at Sutter Health Park with a 7:05pm PDT start.

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Giants get the home runs but not the win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman touches home after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed May 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Wednesday the Kansas City Royals Salvador Perez got three hits and belted a two run home run. Bobby Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia contributed with two hits and two RBIs.

#2 The Royals came back from their loss on Tuesday night to take the three game series over the San Francisco Giants 8-4 on Wednesday.

#3 Even though the Royals scored three or fewer runs in their last seven games and scored four or less runs in their last 42 of 50 games this is a team that can compete.

#4 You can’t say the Giants did it without home run help. They got home runs from Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos. Ramos also hit a two run home run in the top of the ninth inning off Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg that closed the deficit in half 8-4.

#5 The Giants open a three game series in Washington on Friday night at Nationals Park. The Giants will start RHP Landen Roupp (2-3 ERA 4.11) the Nationals will start LHP MacKenzie Gore (2-4 ERA 3.67) first pitch 3:45pm PDT.

Stephen Ruderman filled in for Morris Phillips who does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bullpen Collapse Spoils Severino’s Gem as A’s Drop Ninth Straight 10-5

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

JJ Bleday on Thursday in the Angels vs Athletics game (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s got the start they needed from veteran ace Luis Severino on Thursday afternoon. Yet, the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, as the A’s dropped their ninth consecutive game—and 13th in their last 16—in a 10-5 matinee loss to the Angels.

Looking to snap what was then an eight-game skid, the A’s had full confidence in Severino, hoping he could turn the page on his home/road splits. Severino did his part, tossing six innings of two-run ball to keep the A’s in it. He finished his outing having allowed seven hits, striking out five, and exiting with a 5-2 lead.

I asked Severino if he changed anything in his routine compared to previous home starts. “I think the main thing was rhythm. Like I said before, there is nothing I can do to change my other routine… The main thing was getting comfortable on the mound and throwing strikes.”

In the throes of a now nine-game losing streak, Mark Kotsay kept it real in his postgame remarks.

“We are in it right now,” Kotsay said following the loss. “The outing we got from Severino is what we needed. This one hurts because, you know, he threw the ball so good today—and for him to walk off the mound in the sixth and turn the ball over to Holman, who’s been great all season, and some missed locations… next thing you know, you are down.”

Grant Holman, who entered the game with a 0.61 ERA to relieve Severino, gave up a grand slam to the Angels’ Taylor Ward, and just like that, the Angels led 6-5. It was an uncharacteristic outing for Holman, who had been stellar all year in high-leverage situations. He recorded just two outs and gave up five runs on four hits, including two home runs—the second being a solo shot by Logan O’Hoppe.

Mitch Spence came in and stopped the bleeding, tossing one and a third hitless innings.

Trouble returned when Carlos Duran came in for his MLB debut. Duran, who missed most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery while with the Dodgers organization, walked three batters and gave up three runs, managing to record only one out.

Hogan Harris came in to finish off the ninth, throwing two-thirds of an inning with one hit allowed and one strikeout.

The A’s bullpen has been struggling mightily during their 3-13 stretch. Over those 16 games, the relief corps owns a 9.19 ERA.

The offense for the Athletics came early. In the bottom of the first, Brent Rooker launched a two-run shot to left-center field that traveled 440 feet.

Nick Kurtz added to the lead with an RBI sac fly in the third, making it 3-0.

In the fifth, the A’s had starter Tyler Anderson on the ropes. He issued two walks, including one that forced in a run. Hunter Strickland then entered and walked Jhonny Pereda to score another, giving the A’s a 5-2 advantage. That would be all the offense the A’s could muster, despite having opportunities in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

The Athletics’ ninth straight loss drops them to 22-29 on the season. Grant Holman was charged with the loss. Hunter Strickland earned the win, as the Angels improved to 24-25 and extended their win streak to seven games—having swept the Dodgers before arriving in Sacramento.

The A’s will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to town on Friday for a 7:05 PM PST start at Sutter Health Park. Zach Wheeler (5-1, 2.67 ERA) is slated to start for the Phillies. The A’s have not announced a starter as of this writing.

Note of the day: Tyler Soderstrom showed additional signs of life in the loss. He walked twice and singled. A’s manager Mark Kotsay said after the game that he was encouraged by Soderstrom’s approach. “Great session with Tyler… the second day of this series with Darren (Bush, A’s hitting coach) and him. They talked a lot about Tyler expanding and swinging at pitches that he can put in play but not do damage with. I think we saw that quick adjustment, and that shows the maturation… For Tyler, shrinking the zone and you see the success in a short amount of time, that’s pretty good growth right there.”

Nick Kurtz Homers Twice, but A’s Drop Eighth Straight in 10-5 Loss to Angels

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Lawrence Butler on Wednesday afternoon in the Angels vs A’s game at Sutter Health Park (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s continued to reel on Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park, falling to the Los Angeles Angels 10-5.

There were bright spots for the A’s, including two towering home runs from Nick Kurtz, who appears to be breaking out of his slump. But once again, the pitching couldn’t support the offense, and the A’s fell behind late.

Manager Mark Kotsay addressed the growing frustration during the A’s current eight-game losing streak and noted the bullpen’s recent struggles.

“I think each of our leverage guys, if you look back over the last two weeks, has had a rough one,” Kotsay said. “These are stretches you go through as a club. You don’t want it to continue, obviously. We had a couple games where we pitched well and didn’t hit. The last couple nights we’ve had 10–12 hits and scored runs, but we haven’t thrown the ball well. So it’s kind of a perfect storm in this eight-game stretch.”

The bullpen combined for four innings of six-hit, four-run baseball—unable to keep the game close. Tyler Ferguson relieved JP Sears in the sixth and tossed two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out one. But things unraveled when Michel Otanez came in. After two solid innings earlier in the series, Otanez couldn’t record an out on Wednesday, giving up two runs on two hits and walking two.

Matt Krook followed and had mixed results, surrendering two runs on three hits over an inning and a third. Anthony Maldonado wrapped things up by striking out both batters he faced.

As for Sears, Kotsay credited the Angels with a solid approach.

“I think the Angels had a great game plan,” Kotsay said. “They waited him out and got the sweeper up in the zone. He lacked a bit of fastball command, and they took advantage of sitting soft and jumping on pitches close to or in the zone. The result was a few home runs.”

Sears gave up four homers over five innings, allowing eight hits and six runs in total. It felt as if it was feast or famine for the Angels, as nearly every swing against Sears seemed to either result in a home run or an out.

Offensively, there were encouraging signs for the A’s—though the team stranded 13 runners, a number that needs to improve.

Lawrence Butler launched a three-run homer in the second inning to give the A’s an early 3-2 lead. But they quickly surrendered the lead and never got it back. Nick Kurtz provided the rest of the offense with solo home runs in the fifth and seventh innings, both pulled to right-center and combining for 866 feet per Statcast.

With the loss, the A’s have dropped eight straight and now sit at 22-28. JP Sears (4-4, 4.00 ERA) took the loss, while Hector Neris (2-1, 12.71 ERA) earned the win.

The A’s will turn to Luis Severino (1-4, 4.22 ERA) on Thursday as they look to halt the skid. Severino will need to overcome his own struggles at home. The Angels will counter with Ty Anderson (2-1, 3.04 ERA). First pitch is set for 12:35 PM PST.