Category: Oakland Athletics

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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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

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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) .

A’s Pitching Results In a Shutout Win Over Tampa Bay 3-0; Oakland’s Spence pitches no hit ball into the sixth

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Oakland A’s starter Mitch Spence pitches in the first inning had a no hitter going into the sixth inning at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tue May 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (23-33) not got some great pitching in game one of their three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays (26-29) but they also got a huge sixth inning from Miguel Andujar. Andujar hit a home run with Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday on base for the 3-0 shutout in the series opener at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Mason Miller closed out the game for Oakland in the ninth inning for his 11th save this season.

Game recap: The first five innings were an effort from both teams trying to hit off either pitcher. The A’s Mitch Spencer had a great game Tuesday. He was three up and three down in the first inning and solid in the second with a single walk.

He had three up and three down third, fourth and fifth innings. He allowed one hit in the sixth before he was relieved by T.J. McFarland. He showed off some great work on the mound today. The Rays Zach Littell was also solid through five innings allowing two hits in the third inning but he was also going three up and three down for most of the game going into the sixth.

It all came to an end for Littell as he had a rough sixth inning with Oakland breaking through for the first runs of the game. Max Schuemann reached first base due to an error by Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe.

Abraham Toro grounded out sending Schuemann to second. The A’s JJ Bleday walked and Oakland had two runners on base. Miguel Andujar came to the plate with two outs. He was very impressive in his Oakland debut going up against Justin Verlander in the first game of their series with the Astros last Friday night.

That had been his first at-bat in almost eight months and he drove a fast ball into left field for an RBI. He took that success into today’s game hitting a home run out of left field giving the A’s a 3-0 lead which held going into the eighth inning.

Michael Kelly relieved T.J. McFarland in the eighth inning. McFarland turned in some nice work allowing no hits, no runs with one strikeout as Oakland continued to hold the 3-0 lead through eight innings.

Oakland was three outs away from a shutout and the A’s sent in the “Reaper” Mason Miller to close out this game. He got behind in the count 3-0 in the Rays first at bat but finished off Jose Caballero with three strikes for the first out.

Tampa Bay’s Richie Palacios flied out for the second out. Miller stumbled a bit allowing a single from Brandon Lowe and then walking Yandy Diaz. With two runners on base Miller faced Isaac Paredes striking him out for the third out and the 3-0 shutout and once again it was “Miller Time.” This was his 11th saves of the season.

Post game notes: After dropping a series to the Houston Astros over the weekend, the A’s traveled back to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays Tuesday night. Mitch Spencer was on the hill for the A’s went 5.1 innings gave just one hit and struck out four batters. The Rays starter Zach Littell went seven innings, gave up five hits, and struck nine. After a up and down offensive patch, Oakland was ready and got their bats on track in Tuesday night’s game with that three run sixth.

Game two of this three game series will start at 3:50 PM on Wednesday. Joey Estes will be on the hill for Oakland with a 1-1 win/loss record, ERA 7.47. The A’s offense will be facing Ryan Pepiot who will start for Tampa Bay. He has a 3.98 ERA and a 3-2 win/loss record.

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s opening up three game series in Tampa Bay Tuesday

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The Oakland A’s Max Schuemann (12) heads home and is congratulated by third base coach Eric Martins (3) after hitting a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara:

#1 On Sunday in the fourth inning at the Oakland Coliseum was where the Astros took charge and didn’t just get a lead, but they had a rally that deflated a ballpark. Yanier Diaz hit a sac fly and scored Jon Singleton, who got on from a double, 1-0 Astros.

#2 After the Astros Mauricio Dubon got on base from a horrendous double, Jose Altuve singled and scored Jake Meyers and Dubon, 3-0 Astros. 

#3Following the Altuve single, Kyle Tucker hit a two run homer, 5-0 Astros and Aaron Brooks was now fighting a different battle. 

#4 A’s finally got on the board when Max Schuemann hit a lead off home run off Blanco, 5-1 Astros still in the lead. 

#5 The A’s will take Monday Memorial Day off and open a road trip against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday at 3:40pm PT. The A’ starting pitcher Mitch Spence (3-2, ERA 4.09) and the Rays will be going with RHP Zack Littell (2-2, ERA 3.42).

Barbara Mason does the Oakland A’s podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s Lose 5-2 To Houston Astros To Close Out Their Series

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Oakland A’s shortstop Max Schuemann (right) throws to first base after forcing the Houston Astros Jeremy Pena (left) on a double play ball by Jon Singleton in the top of the second inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sunday, May 26th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

Oakland, CA – The Oakland A’s host the Houston Astros in the rubber game of a three game series. The Astros continue their seven game road trip here in Oakland. Aaron Brooks on the mound for the A’s and Ronel Blanco for the Astros.

A’s have won 3 of the last five games of the homestand, but are 5-15 over the last 20 games and 22-32 overall, which is the fifth lowest winning percentage in the majors. The Astros rallied for five runs in the top of the fourth that helped get past the A’s for a 5-2 win at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday.

The fourth inning was where the Astros took charge and didn’t just get a lead, but they had a rally that deflated a ballpark. Yanier Diaz hit a sac fly and scored Jon Singleton, who got on from a double, 1-0 Astros.

After Mauricio Dubon got on base from a horrendous double, Jose Altuve singled and scored Jake Meyers and Dubon, 3-0 Astros. Following the Altuve single, Kyle Tucker hit a 2 run homer, 5-0 Astros and Aaron Brooks was now fighting a different battle. 

A’s finally got on the board when Max Schuemann hit a lead off home run off Blanco, 5-1 Astros still in the lead. 

Ronel Blanco pitched seven innings in his first game since being reinstated after a ten game suspension for violating the prohibitions on foreign substances. Blanco allowed one run from the Schuemann home run, but six strikeouts only allowing four hits. 

Oakland attempted a comeback in the ninth inning and with one out, Shea Langeliers hit a home run, 5-2. There was no 9th inning rally and the Astros got the win, 5-2. 

Next game for the A’s is Tuesday in Tampa Bay against the Rays after a travel day. The A’s have not announced a pitcher for Tuesday the Rays will start Zack Littell (2-2 ERA 3.42) first pitch in Tampa Bay at 3:50pm PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Good pitching beats good hitting in A’s 3-1 win over Astros

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Oakland A’s starter JP Sears throws against the Houston Astros line up in the top of the sixth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat May 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Oakland A’s podcast with Augie:

#1 Oakland A’s starter JP Sears got a performance in against the Houston Astros at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday pitching six innings giving up 2 hits, one walk and one strike out. His start was key for the A’s that helped pave the way in the 3-1 win.

#2 Sears who struggled against the Kansas City Royals got his rhythm back against the Astros with 68 pitches. He didn’t strike out a lot of hitters getting just one but Sears had control over such Astro hitters like Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman.

#3 Brent Rooker continues to swing the bats hitting a two run double in the first inning. Rooker improves his average .285 with 43 hits and 11 home runs.

#4 In the six innings that Sears pitched he retired the first batter of each inning he faced. Sears had his pitches working for him the sweeper, sinker, and slider.

#5 Augie, for Sunday to conclude the three game series the Astros will start RHP Ronel Blanco (4-0, 2.09) and for the A’s RHP Aaron Brooks (0-1, ERA 4.15) first pitch at 1:07pm PT

Augie Mesenburg is a MLB podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com and is a reporter at 1080 KWAI Honolulu