Category: Oakland Athletics

Oakland A’s off day report: Athletics open 9 game road trip in Miami Friday night

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By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s (12-46) are going to Miami to start a nine-game road trip. The A’s won two of three from the N.L. East division leader, the Atlanta Braves, in the three-game series that finished yesterday in Oakland. The A’s surprised the Braves by winning the series’ first two games. They lost a close game, 4-2, on Wednesday.

The A’s pitching held the Braves to just seven runs in the series. The Braves, World Champions in 2021, have players that know how to win. Their stars are Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Austin Riley. The two wins over the Braves had to put a smile on manager Mark Kotsay’s face.

The A’s will face the N.L. East’s second-place team, the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are 29-28, tied with the New York Mets for second-best record in the East. Their manager is Skip Schumaker, who replaced Don Mattingly.

The Marlins have some hitters in their lineup. Miami acquired Luis Arreaz from the Minnesota Twins. Arreaz is a lifetime .300 hitter. This year with the Marlins, he is hitting a robust .381. Arreaz is the team’s second baseman. The Marlins platoon Garrett Cooper and Yuli Guriel at first base.

Guriel, a former Houston Astro, is hitting. 281. In his days with the Astros, Guriel loved to hit against the A’s pitchers. John Berti is the Marlins shorstop. Veteran infielder Jean Segura will be at third base. The Marlins outfielders are Jonathan Davis in centerfield, Bryan De La Cruz in left field, and Jesus Sanchez in right field.

Davis is a rookie and has played in seven games. De La Cruz is hitting .296 with seven homers and 23 RBIs. Sanchez owns a.310 batting average and has three dingers and 11 RBIs.
The DH is the veteran Jorge Soler. Soler is a power hitter. He hit 48 home runs in 2019 with the Kansas City Royals. This year, Soler has hit 17 big flies and has knocked in 35 runs.

The pitching matchups for the three-game series are lefty Hogan Harris (0-0 ERA 10.13) going for the A’s Friday night against Edward Cabrera (3-4 ERA 5.02) of the Marlins. Harris last pitched on May 27th against the Houston Astros. The young lefty, pitching in relief, went five innings and allowed one hit.

Luis Medina (0-4 ERA 6.83) will be on the hill for the A’s on Saturday. Eury Perez (2-1 ERA 2.84)will pitch for Miami. Paul Blackburn (0-0 ERA 2.25) will be making his second start of the year on Sunday. In his first outing, Blackburn, an All-Star in 2022, went four innings allowing four hits and one run.

Blackburn’s opponent will be Sandy Alcantara (2-5 ERA 4.93). Alcantara was the National League’s Cy Young Award winner in 2022. Things have yet to go his way this year. He is 20-5 and owns a 4.93 ERA.

The Marlins have two former A’s pitchers on their staff. Both are left-handed. Jesus Luzardo who is a starter but will not face his old team this weekend. Reliever A.J. Puk, who has been a closer for Miami, is available on June 4th.

Mark Kotsay hopes his team will continue to play as they did against the Braves. The A’s have the worst record in baseball. They are on track to break the New York Mets record of 120 losses in a season. Let’s hope the team gets off to a good start Friday night.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s can’t get sweep on Braves; Open 3 game set in Miami on Friday night

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Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies, right, hits a two-run home run in front of Oakland Athletics catcher Carlos Perez, left, during the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Wed May 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, after taking the first two games against the NL East Atlanta Braves the Oakland A’s starter James Kaprielian had a great start shutting out the Braves for four inning but ran into trouble in the top of the fifth when the Braves picked up three runs.

#2 Kaprielian pitched 4.2 innings, giving up five hits, three earned runs and striking out four hitters. One thing about Kaprielian it was one of his better starts this season and James was hopeful that he could get that first sweep of the season against Atlanta.

#3 Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies hit his 11th home run of the season off Kaprielian to get the three run inning started. The Braves have an offense Albie provided some punch. Kaprielian’s record falls to 0-6 and is still looking for that first win of the season.

#4 In the bottom of the sixth the A’s Ramon Laureano singled to left to scored Brent Rooker and the A’s ended the shutout by Braves starter Jared Shuster who gave way to the sixth oldest player Jesse Chavez 30 years old who came into relieve. Carlos Perez hit a ground out to third scoring Ryan Noda from third cutting the lead to one 3-2.

#5 Ken Waldichuk in the top of the seventh pitching for Oakland facing the Braves Ronald Acuna Jr who singled to right and scored Orlando Arcia to put the Braves up by two runs 4-2 for the final.

#6 The A’s getaway after a day off Thursday to Miami to open a three game set with the Marlins on Friday night, Hogan Harris (0-0 ERA 10.13) gets the start for the A’s and Edward Cabrera (3-4 ERA 5.02) goes for the Marlins at LoanDepot Park first pitch at 3:40 pm PT.

Braves beat A’s 4-2 in three-game series finale

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Oakland Athletics starting pitcher James Kaprielian, right, walks back to the mound as Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies, left, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Wed May 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND–The Atlanta Braves beat the A’s 4-2 on a cool Wednesday afternoon at the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s had won the first two games of the three-game series. A’s manager Mark Kotsay hoped his team could find a way to beat the Braves and record their first three-game winning streak of the season.

That did not happen. The A’s starter James Kaprielian pitched well for the first four innings on Wednesday. Kaprielian was seeking his first win of the 2023 campaign. The Braves put together a three-run rally in the fifth to end Kaprielian’s hope for a win. The game summary follows below.

A’s starter James Kaprielian pitched extremely well for the game’s first four and 1/3rd innings. Things went south very quickly. With one out, Eddie Rosario singled. It was just the second hit Kaprilian had allowed.

The Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies blasted his 11th home run of the season to put the Braves ahead 2-0. Shortstop Orlando Arcia singled. Kap[rielian struck out Michael Harris for the second out. Ronald Acuna doubled to left center. The ball bounced on one hop over the wall.

Arcia would have scored had the ball not been ruled a ground-rule double. The A’s intentionally walked former A’s slugger Matt Olson to load the bases. Kaprielian hit Ustin Riley with a pitch to force in Arcia with the Braves’ third run. A’s manager brought in lefty Richard Lovelady to pitch. Lovelady retired Travis D’Arnaud for the third out.

The A’s rallied to put two on the board in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Brent Rooker doubled. Braves’ starter Jared Shuster walked Ryan Noda to put two men on with one out. The A’s right-fielder Ramon Laureano singled to plate Rooker with the A’s third run.

Noda went to third on the play. A’s manager Mark Kotsay had Noda running on the next pitch. It was a smart move, as the Braves shortstop had one play. He had to get the runner at first. Noda scored on the play. The Braves lead 3-2 after six complete.

With lefty Ken Waldichuk on the hill for the A’s in the seventh, the Braves put together a single, walk, and another single to make it a 4-2 game. The Q’s failed to score in the seventh, eighth, or ninth innings. The Braves win 4-2.

Game Notes: With the loss, the A’s record falls to 12-46. The Braves improved to 33-23.

The A’s line was two runs, three hits, and no errors. Atlanta’s line was four runs, seven hits, and one error. 

The winning pitcher was Jared Shuster. Shuster improved to 2-2 for the year. Kapielian took the loss, and he is 0-6.

There was just one home run in Wednesday’s game. The Braves Ozzie Albies homered for the 11th time this year.  

The A’s are off on Thursday. They are headed east to play three games with the Miami Marlins, three with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and three with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Lefty Logan Harris (0-0 ERA 10.13) will pitch for Oakland Friday night against the Marlins. The Marlins will counter with righty Edward Cabrera (3-4 ERA 5.02).

The time of the game was very fast, 2:14. 6429 fans were on hand to watch the A’s lose their 46th game.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Even If they Strike Out in Las Vegas, A’s are not coming back to Oakland

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The proposed site of the Oakland A’s new ballpark at Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The Nevada Legislation votes this week with a deadline of Mon Jun 5, 2023 (photo by the Las Vegas Review Journal)

Even If they Strike Out in Las Vegas, A’s are not coming back to Oakland

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–During my recent Podcast here I mentioned that the Oakland A’s cannot wait to leave Oakland. I was correct. Nevada State Senate hearing this past Monday. A joint meeting of the Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees in Carson City. It was also video-conference at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building in Las Vegas.

Representatives for the A’s stated that if funding for the ballpark in Las Vegas doesn’t happen and they cannot get a deal, the A’s will explore other cities as relocation options, like Portland, Nashville and Salt Lake City, instead of going back to Oakland.

In other words, if they ‘strike out’ in Las Vegas, they will not entertain the idea of coming back to the table for more negotiations in Oakland. The whole session during Memorial Day lasted six hours.

Including opinions (via telephone calls) pro and con from residents, although since the chairman of the committee did not request that citizens participating disclosed their area code, there were some comments that some people from Oakland called, to “boycott” and vote against the team playing in Sin City.

The Legislative session (only hearing on the A’s stadium plan) revealed the real plans for the A’s in Las Vegas as their representatives, lawmakers and finance experts all participated. Oakland Athletics Consultant Jeremy Aguero spoke, below some of the most important points he made: – There will be no new taxes –

Project could be sustained within the sports and entertainment improving district. – State has the opportunity to recoup at least $90 million of its $180 million (Nevada is shelling $180 million in funds, while Clark County $120 million) – Relocation to Las Vegas by the major league team will NOT lead to the relocation of their Triple-A team Las Vegas Aviators.

The A’s will also have to enter into a non-relocation agreement with Las Vegas Stadium Authority for at least 30 years, Representatives for the A’s continue to make their points about the events that would take place at their new Tropicana location, like: 82 A’s games and other sports events like soccer, college baseball, volleyball, concerts, etc.

Quote by one of the A’s representatives, “This is just NOT for baseball events” He also estimated baseball events would draw 2,296,000, an average of 28,000 X 82 games. Gov. Joe Lombardo, State Treasurer Zach Conine, Clark County and the A’s all together announced the agreement for the stadium bill last week, saying Nevada’s commitment would be less than 25% of the projected $1. 5 billion project.

Governor Lombardo is expected to sign the bill if approved by all parties in Carson City, with a deadline of June 5. If approved, major league baseball will move to take a vote by all team owners, which is expected to pass with little opposition.

Where will the A’s play, since the date for inauguration of their new place in Las Vegas is now 2028 remains to be seen. They could play the whole 2024 season at the Oakland Coliseum (which they own by a 50% share and still have a lease) or they could just be playing their last season in Oakland, as like I previously stated, they cannot wait to leave Oakland.

Sacramento has also shown interest in hosting the A’s while they build a new park. From 2000 to 2014 the Sacramento Rivercats where the Triple A affiliate for the Oakland A’s, since then they are the SF Giants. Finally. If anybody wonders if Oakland could get another major league team, via an expansion team it will not be easy.

They still need a new ballpark in Oakland and as it looks now, the Howard Terminal is becoming another trivia question for the ages. It could take even longer than 2028 for the Athletics to get back to major league baseball in the city of Oakland.

If you hear this Commissioner talking about expansion in Oakland, congratulations you have a great story to tell. Las Vegas has sports fever as their Las Vegas Golden Knights are in the NHL Finals. They are facing the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead broadcast voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish Radio Network Le Grande 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s edge out Braves 2-1 for second straight win at Coliseum

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Oakland Athletics’ Nick Allen, left, douses Jonah Bride with iced water after the team’s 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (AP News photo)

Atlanta (32-23).  001 000 000 –  1.  4. 1

Oakland (12-45)  000 010 001. – 2.  5. 0

Time: 2:19    

Attendance: 5,116

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–On this day in 1899, the Cleveland Spiders split a Memorial Day doubleheader with the Boston Beaneaters, losing the first game, 7-3, but winning the nightcap by the score of 6-3. In the process they raised their season’s record to 8-25, .242. The combined attendance for the two games played in The Hub was 8,500.

On this day in 1962, the New York Mets lost both ends of a double header at home in the Polo Grounds to the by then Los Angeles Dodgers, 13-6 and 6-5. Sandy Koufax was the winning pitcher in the first game. The twin setbacks dropped the Mets’ record to 12-29, .293.

Tuesday, the still Oakland Athletics, having snapped their 11 game losing streak, won their second straight game in a thrilling come from behind walk off error committed by Braves third baseman Austin Raley who couldn’t handle the line drive off the bat of A’s hitter Seth Brown 2-1. For Oakland’s win over the NL East leading Atlanta Braves.

Before the game began, the A’s announced that they had reinstated Paul Blackburn from the 15 day IL. He hasn’t thrown a pitch in the major leagues since last August 4th and has gone 0-0, 7.50 in a half a dozen rehab starts for Stockton in the low class A California League and the AAA Las Vegas Aviators so far this year. They also recalled  infielder Jonah Bride from the Aviators. Remember that name.

Oakland also optioned Garrett Acton, whjo had been getting pretty lit up in relief for the parent team to their Vegas farm club and DFA’d veteran Jesús Aguilar.

Oakland’s starting pitcher, JP Sears brought an ugly 0-3, 4.70 season’s record to the mound, but those figures are somewhat misleading. He was 0-3, 5.97 on the road but 0-0, 2.86 at home. He pitched very well tonight, going six full innings before he was lifted for Austin Pruitt to start the seventh.

Sears held the Braves to four hits, including a home run that resulted in the only run scored against him; it was earned. He threw 90 pitches, 50 for strikes. He got a no decision but lowered his ERA to 4.37

Bryce Elder, Atlanta’s right handed pitcher was making his 11th start of the year and first ever against the green and gold. He came with a National League leading ERA of 2.01 and a 3-0 won-lost record.

He performed brilliantly tonight, going 7-1/3 innings and giving up  only five hits. He left having yielded one run, which was earned. He, like Sears, got a no decision. He threw 95 pitches, 63 for strikes and brought his already low ERA down to 1.92.

The Braves drew first blood, with Kevin Pillar taking Sears deep to lead off the third. His homer to left just eluded the glove of a leaping JJ  Bleday.

The Athletics drew even in the home fifth. Shea Langeliers smacked a strong single to left and made it around to third on Nick Allen’s single to center. Esteury Ruíz sent the A’s catcher home with another single, this one to center. Then Noda grounded into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play.

Pruitt retired the five batters he faced in the seventh and eighth before yielding to Sam Moll face Michael Harris II, Atlanta’s number nine batter and,  Moll, left handed. The tactic worked; Harris fanned, and we went to the bottom of the eighth with the score tied at one all.

Elder got Allen out on a pop up, but he walked Ruíz and was removed in favor of AJ Minter, the only southpaw in the Atlanta bullpen. He picked Ruíz off, a play that Oakland appealed but New York upheld.

Moll retired Ronald Acuña, Jr. and Matt Olson in the top of the seventh and then passed the ball to Shintaro Fujinami, who’s been reshaping  himself as a reliever. He got Austin Riley to foul out to Langeliers.

Atlanta turned to Raisel Iglesias to stave off the A’s in the bottom of the ninth. He walked Brown. Jace Peterson pinch hit for Díaz and went down swinging.  

Laureano walked on four pitches. Bleday walked to load the bases, bringing Bride, who had been 0 for 3, to the plate.  He hit a sharp grounder to third. Riley bobbled the ball and threw home … too late, and the A’s pulled off their second upset in a row.

Fujinami was the winning pitcher, improving his record to 2-5, 12.00.

The A’s will go for the – dare I say it? – a sweep tomorrow, Wednesday, afternoon at 12:37. James Kaprielian (0-5,8.45) is scheduled to go against Atlanta’s Jared Shuster (1-2, 5.33).

Seven Runs For Athletics Too Much For Braves; Oakland snaps 11 game skid in 7-2 win

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Oakland Athletics’ Ryan Noda watches his three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Mon May 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Troy Ewers

OAKLAND–In front of a majority Atlanta Braves crowd at the Oakland Coliseum, it was the Oakland A’s against the Atlanta Braves. The A’s snapped an 11 game losing streak with a five run 7-2 win.

The starters on the hill were making their 2023 season debuts, 2022 A.L. All Star Paul Blackburn for Oakland and Michael Soroka (hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2020) for Atlanta and in the first inning it didn’t take long for the Braves to get on the board.

Matt Olson, who got on base from a walk, was batted in from a Sean Murphy single. Blackburn got out the inning with just the one run and runners at the corners with back to back strikeouts. Soroka’s first inning was a quick three up three down and even received a standing ovation from the overwhelming amount of Atlanta fans in the Oakland Coliseum.

The duel between both pitchers made for a scoreless second, third, and fourth inning. Blackburn had six K’s by this point and Soroka had three K’s, both of these guys would leave the game with that number of strikeouts.

In the fifth inning for the A’s, they made a pitching change and brought in Lucas Erceg and he delivered a quick three out inning. In the bottom of the fifth, the A’s got on Soroka quickly.

Langeliers was hit by a pitch, Peterson got on base by fielder’s choice, Bride would get a single and advance Peterson. Esteury Ruiz’s double that was later called an E7, scored Peterson. Ryan Noda had the moment of the game with a three run bomb that scored Ruiz and Bride, 4-1 A’s.

The next two innings was a pitching duel, where both teams would go down quickly, but by the eighth inning we were right back to the scoring. Matt Olson hit a solo home run, but that would be the end for the Braves.

Oakland would score another three runs in a rally from Laureano, Langeliers, and Peterson, making the final score 7-2. Lucas Erceg would get the winning decision for the A’s and Michael Soroka would get the loss. Next game tomorrow will have JP Spears (0-3, 4.70) for the Oakland A’s and Bryce Elder (3-0, 2.01) for the Braves first pitch at the Coliseum 6:40pm PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s Tropicana ballpark looking to pass as Unions and Assembly lean towards funding project

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From left, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill, State Treasurer Zach Conine and Applied Analysis founder Jeremy Aguero testify on SB509 on Monday, May 29, 2023 in Carson City. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, talk about how the Senate Committee on Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means took a look at Senate bill SB509 how guest/visitor drives room rates and occupancy for “heads in beds”

#2 Design regarding opening and closing the roof on hot nights in June, July, and August and it’s hot how the design of the roof will cover the ballpark.

#3 Where will the A’s benefit from on the most local residents vs. tourists? The Raiders draw is more tourists than locals. Will the tourists outdraw local tourist for a new Tropicana ballpark?

#4 The Assemblywoman Neal asked how the needs of the taxpayers and residents of Nevada who need those tax dollars that could go towards to education, homelessness and county and local government. Assemblyman Jeremy Arguello said that the jobs and dollars from services would generate taxes that would pay for those public services.

#5 Monday night’s joint committee meeting was to get a feel for the finance of the Tropicana Park this would be the one and only meeting and a vote will be scheduled later. Do you get a sense based on the talking points tonight that the Assembly weighing the costs are leaning heavily towards for the park.

#6 Assemblywoman Monroe-Moreno said “my answer right now is hell no can you show me how to get to a yes.” Monroe-Moreno said the A’s attendance in Oakland is abysmal and that A’s management has done a poor job with running the club how will that be different in Las Vegas?Assemblyman Arguello said that bringing the A’s to Las Vegas would be attraction and with a new facility they would drive more fans then what their getting now in Oakland.

Join Jerry Feitelberg for his usual A’s podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Nevada Legislature joint session meets tonight on Holiday; Both committees to vote on Tropicana ballpark

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The Nevada State Legislature meeting on Tue May 16, 2023. The Legislature meets tonight Mon May 29, 2023 in Carson City in a special joint session that will lead to voting for tax credits for a Las Vegas A’s Tropicana ballpark. If the legislature votes no on the park the A’s may have to revisit their other alternative in talking to Oakland and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. (photo from the Nevada Independent)

On That’s Amaruy News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Nevada Legislature announced late Sunday that they will meet on the Memorial Day Holiday in a joint session with the senate and the assembly. If approved the bill would need to signed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo.

#2The FAA also needs to approve the resolution as home plate faces the runaway at Las Vegas Airport. The FAA needs to look the safety path relative to the ballpark and lights and height of Tropicana Park.

#3 Amaury, wanted to ask you about the renderings, the ballpark will be built on nine acres with a retractable roof but the renderings look more larger than a nine acre area more like 19 acres. The arch over the park looks like a glass dome or see through structure could that the retractable roof.

#4 The renderings also face the strip but the plans are for the park to face the airport. The arch is as tall as the MGM Hotel and is that arch the retractable roof that folds on top of Tropicana Park?

#5 A’s president David Kaval basically said that the design that was presented is not the project in the literal sense but it was something to show the joint session tonight when making the case why it would make sense to have a the A’s in location and why it would be a benefit for Las Vegas residents and visitors.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 1010 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s hope to turn the page with Braves coming to Coliseum tonight

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Oakland Athletics third baseman Jace Peterson (6) throws to first base on a single hit by Houston Astros’ Yainer Diaz during the fourth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 28, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Houston Astros (31-21) Yordan Alvarez belted two of the Astros two home runs against the Oakland A’s (10-45) on Sunday afternoon. Alvarez contributed to the Astros 10-1 win and one of the top hitters in MLB.

#2 Alvarez hit his first home run off A’s starter Ken Waldichuk and second one off A’s reliever Garrett Anderson in the ninth inning.

#3 The Astros Jose Altuve added more offense with three hits and one home run. Altuve who missed the first 43 games of the season came back and started swinging like he didn’t miss a step.

#4 Barbara, the A’s have now lost 11 straight games, the pitching had given up seven home runs the most by any opponent in a game in Coliseum history.

#5 The A’s hope to wipe the slate clean and snap the current 11 game skid with a win as they open a three game series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. The Braves (32-21) first place in the NL Central and have won five of their last ten games. Starter for Atlanta Mike Soroka (0-0 ERA 0.00) and for Oakland Paul Blackburn (0-0 ERA 0.00). Blackburn is making his 2023 debut for Oakland after spending the season in triple A Las Vegas.

Join Barbara for the A’s podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s loose 11th straight in 10-1 laugher to Astros; A’s Acton warned after beaning Astros Abreau for home run slide

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The Houston Astros Jose Abreau slides in front of the Astros dugout after hitting a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning off A’s pitcher Sammy Long. In the top of the ninth Abreau was beaned by A’s pitcher Garrett Acton for showboating running fast around the bases and sliding in front of the dugout. Acton was given a warning for hitting Abreau. (AP News photo)

Houston (31-21). 100 300 213. – 10. 13. 1

Oakland (10-45) 100 000 000. – 1. 6. 0

Time: 2:37

Attendance: 8,809

Sunday, May 28, 2023

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–The Cleveland Spiders did not play on this day in 1899. Their record remained 7-23, 2.33.

The 1962 New York Mets also had May 28th off. They remained at 12-27, 3.08.

The 2023 Oakland Athletics, along with 8,809 paying spectators, came to the ball park at 10-44, ,185. The team made its way home alone at 10-45, .181. I wonder what the odds are in Las Vegas on the Nevada bound A’s having the worst won and lost record in the history of major league baseball, before and after the advent of what we call the modern era. The A’s aren’t in a pennant race their in a race with history.

After last night’s game the A’s announced that Luis Medina, a member of their rotation, would toe the rubber for them. They subsequently changed that to Ken Waldichuk, also a member of the rotation, but they noted that he’d be used as an opener.

Waldichuk usually is good for a few innings before falling apart, so it seemed like a good move at the time. That changed after he had thrown 11 pitches because, on the 12th, Yordán Alvarez connected on a 93.2 mph four seamer and sent it 409 feet deep and into the right field seats.

The Athletics quickly got that run back on a lead off homer by Ryan Noda off Astros starter, Cristián Javier, who was 5-1, 3.07 at the time. Noda’s blast went a foot further than Alvarez’s and also went to right. It was the A’s first baseman’s fifth round tripper of the year.

So the game was knotted at one after one inning of play, and that’s when Medina took the mound. He got out of each of his first two frames with a double play. The DP in the top of the third was particularly interesting. A walk to Jeremy Peña loaded the bases with one out. The fourth ball was called because of a clock violation by Medina. Then Alvarez hit a nubber in front of the plate that Medina, Langeliers, and Noda turned into a 1-2-3 twin killing.

He wasn’t able to pull that rabbit out of his cap in the fourth. After getting two quick outs, one on a fly to the left field warning track, Medina gave up a single to left by Julks and an infield single to Díaz. Jake Meyers then lowered the boom, a three run blast into the left field stairway to the left of the 367 foot sign. Once more, the A’s were seeing stars, and the Astros looked down on them, 4-1.

Houston still was leading 4-1 when Parker Mushinski relieved Javier at the start of the home sixth. Javier had gone five full innings and allowed four hits, one of which was Noda’s homer, which accounted for the only run scored against the righty. He walked three and struck out an equal number of Athletics. He threw 88 pitches, 46 of which were counted as strikes. He was the winning pitcher and now stands at 6-1, 2.97.

The A’s loaded the bases with two outs against Mushinski on a walk, a hit batter, and a pinch hit single by Aredmys Díaz, but they ended up stranding all three runners.

Back to back homers by McCormick and Altuve knocked Medina out of the box with one down in the seventh. His stint had been 5-1/3 innings long, and he’d allowed five runs, all earned, on seven hits, three of them out of the park, and three walks. He threw 86 pitches, 51 strikes. He also took the loss and now has a record of 0-4, 6.83. Sam Long replaced him and made short work of Peña and Alvarez to hold the Athletics’ deficit at 6-1.

It increased to 7-1 in the eighth when José Abreu finally got his first home run of the year, a drive just over the glove of a leaping Brown in left. Abreu sped around the bases and went into a slide in front of the Astros’ dugout, where he was greeted by most of his teammates as if it were 1988 and he were Kirk Gibson. A’s pitcher Garrett Acton in relief in top of the ninth was warned by home plate umpire Tony Randazzo for hitting Abreu in the shoulder in retaliation for the slide in front of the dugout.

Phil Maton pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth, allowing only a Texas League single to Nick Allen.

Acton, who did not fare well in yesterday’s debacle, didn’t do any better this afternoon. McCormick flew oout to deep right. Altuve reached first on a hard hit infield single. Peña and Alvarez hit back to back homers, Peña’s to center and Alvarez’s to right center.

The A’s came up in the bottom of the ninth trailing 10-1 and facing Rafael Montero. Laureano drew a lead off walk, and that was it.

Paul Blackburn will return from rehab tomorrow, Monday at 5:07. The Astros will let us know later who they’ll start.