Tag: Khris Davis

15 runs, 18 hits, 14 pitchers–September baseball is here! M’s down A’s 8-7 on Saturday night

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

IMG_0623

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND — If you are planning to come to the ballpark between now and the end of the season, bring seat cushion with you. Every team in the Major Leagues could expand their roster on Saturday. The A’s added eight players to their active roster, bringing their total of available players to 33.

A’s manager Bob Melvin talked about how much the club was looking forward to having the extra help down the stretch in September. After 136 games, a team is tired, bruised and battered from the rigors of playing every day. Melvin was also looking forward to having extra help in the bullpen.

Oakland lost the services of two starters last week. Sean Manaea was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis and may not be available for the remainder of the season. Brett Anderson went down with a strained left forearm and is eligible to come off the disabled list on September 7. The A’s chose not to go out on the waiver trade market for a starter and instead bolstered their bullpen.

Saturday night was the beginning of a new experiment

IMG_0596

The Tampa Bay Rays shocked the baseball world earlier this season when they began using an “opener” instead of a starting pitcher in their games. Former Giants reliever Sergio Romo made headlines when he “opened” the game pitching one inning then turning it over to what would have been the starting pitching who was now a long relief pitcher. Confused?

There is a method behind the madness. First, the Rays really believe in the strength of their bullpen. Secondly, the Rays are adhering to the concept of limiting the number times hitters are allowed to see a “starting pitcher.” The prevailing thought is that batter should only see a pitcher twice because the hitters become too effective in the third time at bat.

The A’s decided to go with the same philosophy on Saturday night. Reliever Liam Hendricks was put into the role of “opener.”  He lasted 1.2 innings, giving up two runs off two hits. He gave up both runs in the second inning. Danny Coulombe came on to relieve Hendricks and gave up an RBI double to the only batter he faced. Emilio Pagan then took over from Coulombe and ended the second inning by getting Haniger to fly out in foul territory. That second inning set the tone for the rest of the game.

“Starter” Daniel Mengden entered the game in the top of the third inning and lasted 2.0 innings. He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits. Mengden walked one and struck out one Mariner. You will want to listen to Melvin’s comments about Mengden’s performance.

The A’s newest pitcher–reliever Cory Gearrin–made his Oakland debut in the game in the fifth inning, and it was less than a stellar beginning. Melvin said that Gearrin is not used to pitching from behind (the A’s were down 8-1 at that point). Gearrin allowed two runs (both earned) on three hits. Melvin said Gearrin just needs to get his feet on the ground and he will be fine.

The A’s also used Hatcher, Buchter, Wendelken, and Familia as relievers in the game. For those of you scoring at home, that is a total of nine pitchers used by the A’s in nine innings.

Those nine pitchers gave up 8 runs (7 earned) off 12 hits. They struck out five M’s batters and walked two.

The M’s used six pitchers in the game even though their starting pitcher (who was a traditional starting pitcher) James Paxton lasted 5.0 innings. Seattle pitching gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on six hits. They walked six and struck out 18 Oakland batters. Paxton struck out 10.

Oh, you would like to know who won the game

IMG_0644

I am sorry. I am so tired from the length of the game (3 hours and 33 minutes) that I forgot to mention the Mariners won the game 8-7. Paxton was the winner and is now 11-5 on the year. “Opener” Liam Hendricks took the loss and is now 0-1 for the season.

The M’s (76-60) now lead the four-game series 2-1. The Astros (83-53) beat the Angels Saturday night, so the A’s (81-56) are now 2.5 games back of Houston for first-place in the AL West. The win moves Seattle within 4.5 games of the A’s for second-place and for the second Wild Card slot.

Just when you thought it was over–it wasn’t

The A’s were trailing 8-2 as they came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning. If it had not been a fireworks night, a good portion of the 28,760 fans in the crowd would have already been on the freeway headed home. Instead, the fans were still in their seats after three-plus hours and were ready to see their team make some fireworks of their own.

Alex Colome came out of the bullpen to take over the pitching duties for Seattle. The first batter he faced was Khris Davis who promptly dispatched a 2-1 pitch into the right field seats for his 40th home run of the season. The crowd came to life and this reporter got his focus back because the A’s are team of late-inning miracles.

Stephen Piscotty followed up the home run with a single. Matt Olson struck out pinch hitting for Pinder. Ramon Laureano singled up the middle and Piscotty moved up to second base. Mark Canha walked to load the bases with one out. Dustin Fowler entered the game as a pinch hitter and struck out.

That brought a pitching change by Seattle, who sent Edwin Diaz to the mound and Colome to the showers. Marcus Semien hit a double to left-center field that cleared the bases with the help of a fielding error charged to Denard Span and made the score 8-7. Matt Chapman struck out to end the inning.

Another wild ninth inning
In the top of the ninth, Jeurys Familia took the hill to stop the Mariners from scoring additional runs. Familia set the side down in order giving the A’s a chance to win it in the bottom of the ninth.

The M’s brought in their closer Edwin Diaz to stop any thoughts the A’s had of winning the game. Jed Lowrie led off the ninth with a base-on-balls. Khris Davis went down swinging. Stephen Piscotty also struck out, so it all came down to Matt Olson with Lowrie at first. Olson also became a strikeout victim and Diaz notched his 51st save of the season.

Back to the need for a seat cushion
This game featured 15 runs, 18 hits, and 13 pitching changes. That required 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. Trust me, you will want a seat cushion for any game that goes that long. Plus, get seats close to a restroom.

Up next
The A’s and M’s wrap up this four-game series on Sunday at 1:05 PM PDT.

Seattle will send RHP “King” Felix Hernandez (8-12, 5.49) to the mound to make his 401st MLB start. The A’s will return to using a traditional starting pitcher by sending RHP Edwin Jackson (4-3, 3.03) to the hill.

It’s the bullpen to the rescue! A’s beat the Mariners 7-5 on Friday night

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Final SEA FRI
Photo: @NBCSCA

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics scored five runs off five hits in the bottom of the first inning to take a 5-0 lead on the Seattle Mariners. Matt Chapman hit his 22nd home run of the season off of M’s starter Mike Leake. Stephen Piscotty hit a two-run home run (19) off Leake. Matt Olson and Marcus Semien each hit an RBI double. Everyone in the Coliseum knew that this game was going into the “W” column for the A’s.

Everybody in the Coliseum knew that the game belonged to the A’s except the 25 guys in blue uniforms from Seattle. The M’s put up a run in the top of the second inning and then came back for more in the top of the fourth inning. Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz hit back-to-back home runs off A’s starter Mike Fiers who did have his best stuff on Friday night. Then, Ryon Healy–the former Athletic–hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 5-5. Everything changed.

The A’s bullpen took over for Fiers and gave their team a chance to get it together.

HR vs SEA
Chapman rounds third after hitting his 22nd HR of the year Photo: @Athletics

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Oakland retook the lead when rookie outfielder Ramon Laureano delivered a sacrifice fly that allowed Matt Olson to score the go-ahead run. The A’s then added some cushion when Jed Lowrie hit a one-out double and then scored on a Khris Davis RBI single.

The bullpen held on to that 7-5 lead to get the A’s (81-55) the win.

This critical four-game AL West series is now tied at one game apiece.

The win was awarded to Yusmeiro Petit (6-3) who relieved Fiers and was the pitcher of record when Olson scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning. Blake Treinen picked up his 34th save of the season. Treinen now sports a 0.94 ERA.

Mike Leake (8-9) was hung with the loss for Seattle (75-60).

This is how the A’s pitching line is going to look the rest of the season
Mike Fiers only lasted 3.2 innings in his start on Friday night. A’s manager Bob Melvin certainly wants his starting pitchers to go at least five innings per start, but five innings are all that may be required from the starters for the A’s to be successful. The 2018 A’s are all about the bullpen.

In the win 7-5 win over Seattle on Friday night, Oakland used 5 relief pitchers. It was a parade of fresh arms stepping up on the rubber to deliver a devastating variety of pitches designed to stop opposing hitters in their tracks.

Yusmeiro Petit, Lou Trivino, Fernando Rodney, Jeurys Familia and Blake Treinen combined to pitch 5.1 innings of shutout baseball. They allowed the M’s just two hits while walking just two batters and striking out seven. They slammed the door on the Seattle offense to give their A’s the chance to win the game, which they did 7-5.

Every game will not feature five relievers, but you can expect to see games that feature three men out of the bullpen on a regular basis. The help that is coming with the expanded September rosters is going to be most welcome.

The standings are shaken up again
This A’s win really changed the standings in the AL West. The Astros lost, the A’s won and the M’s lost. Oakland is now just 1.5 games behind Houston for first place in the West. Seattle falls 5.5 games back of the A’s in the West and 7.0 games behind Houston.

By losing, the M’s also are now 5.5 games down to the A’s in the Wild Card race. These head-to-head division matchups are critical to a team’s standing when fighting for a post-season slot.

Food for your brain

  • Matt Chapman hit a home run and a double to give him a major league leading 22 extra-base hits in August. Those 22 extra-base hits also tied a franchise record.
  • Stephen Piscotty’s home run was just his fourth round-tripper hit in Oakland this season. He has hit 19.
  • Mike Fiers worked only 3.2 innings which was his shortest outing for the A’s.
  • Khris Davis ended a 0-for-19 streak with his RBI-single in the sixth inning.
  • The A’s are 57-0 when leading after seven innings.
  • The M’s Mike Leake has not won a game since June 23rd in Boston.
  • Nelson Cruz hit his 16th career home run at the Coliseum on Friday night which is the most among active players.
  • Dee Gordon now leads the American League with 30 stolen bases.
Ramon vs Sea
Laureano scores in the 1st inning vs Seattle Photo: @Athletics

 Up Next
The A’s and Mariners will play game three of this crucial four-game series on Saturday night at 6:05 PM PDT.

The M’s will send LHP James Paxton to the mound. Paxton is 10-5 on the season and will be making his 25th start of the year. He has a 3.68 ERA.

The A’s will counter with RHP Daniel Mengden, who was recalled from Triple-A Nashville last Monday. This is Mengden’s second tour of duty with the big club. Mengden has a 6-6 record on the year with a 4.28 ERA.

Our Turn: Astros respond with 9-4 win to recapture first place in the AL West

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND — First, the Oakland A’s smashed a team-record eight doubles on Saturday to cap a 53-game run to a share of the AL West lead. Then the world champion Houston Astros responded on Sunday with five home runs to reclaim the division lead to themselves.

And what can we conclude from this series of events? Life at the top of the AL West–baseball’s toughest division–isn’t for the faint of heart. That, and look for something truly special to take place over the final 38 games of the season as the three playoff hopefuls in the West chase two playoff spots.

“These guys are no fluke whatsoever,” said Sunday’s winning pitcher Justin Verlander of the A’s. “We have the toughest division in baseball, without a doubt. The three teams are going to fight and claw all the way to the finish.”

Woven into the competition between the Astros, A’s and Mariners are the numerous accomplishments racked up along the way. Verlander’s 200th win of his career on Sunday ranks among the biggest, as 200 wins for a Major League starting pitcher has taken on the significance that 300 wins once held. Verlander, no stranger to the Coliseum and making himself at home wherever he pitches, moved himself into exclusive company as only the third active pitcher to achieve the milestone, joining C.C. Sabathia and the ageless Bartolo Colon.

Including the playoffs, Verlander has beaten the A’s 16 times, and been dominant in a few of those outings, including the clinching Game 5 win in the 2012 ALDS that forced a full house at the Coliseum to spend the evening sitting on their hands as Verlander’s Tigers cruised to a 6-0 victory.  On Sunday, the 35-year old right hander got all he could handle early as the A’s hottest hitters–Khris Davis and Matt Chapman–combined for three homers off Verlander before the conclusion of the third inning.

Yuri Gurriel allowed Verlander to survive the early onslaught with one swing of the bat, as his three-run shot off Sean Manaea gifted the Astros a brief 4-2 lead. Davis’ second home run–his 36th of the season–got the A’s even, but little went right for Oakland after that.

While the Astros added single runs in the the fourth and fifth to chase Manaea, then added three more off reliever Emilio Pagan in the seventh and eighth innings, the A’s offense went quiet, one of the rare occasions that the A’s didn’t take control of a ballgame late. Marwin Gonzalez capped the Houston outburst with his solo shot in the eighth–the seventh extra base hit for the Astros one day after the A’s tallied eight.

The Astros won for just the second time in their last nine games, part of their struggles with reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve on the disabled list. Altuve started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Fresno on Sunday, giving Houston hope that the second baseman can rejoin the club this week. The Astros continue their road trip in Seattle on Monday, the opener of a three-game set.

The A’s open a series with Texas at the Coliseum on Monday night at 7:05 pm PDT with Mike Fiers facing either Mike Minor or Colon for the Rangers, who have a beat up rotation, and have not announced a starter for any of the three games in Oakland.  The Rangers have dropped four straight to the A’s, and have lost 10 of their previous 13 games at the Coliseum.

A’s are “double trouble” for Astros as they win 7-1 and tie Houston for first place

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Davis-Melvin
Photo: @Athletics

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics beat the Houston Astros 7-1 at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday afternoon and are now tied for first place in the American League West. Fans were in disbelief that the A’s (74-49) were in contention for the Wild Card in the AL, but now, the Green and Gold are fighting to win their division. Virtually none of those fans thought that was a possibility before the season began.

Strong starting pitching and power hitting was the key to the A’s win on Saturday.

Trevor Cahill (5-2) started the game for Oakland. He has been pitching the lights out in the Coliseum with an ERA under one at home. Cahill continued his mastery of opponents in his home stadium as pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing the Astros just one hit. The right-hander struck out seven batters and walked just one. Cahill threw 100 (62 strikes).

The A’s also went on another power surge on Saturday as they hit eight doubles which tied an Oakland single-game record, but you were not allowed to hit just one double – you had to hit two. All of the extra base hits were recorded by four A’s hitters. Khris Davis (24), Stephen Piscotty (33), Matt Olson (26) and Josh Phegley (6) hit all of the “two-baggers” for Oakland versus Houston. The A’s posted a total of 11 hits in the contest.

More A’s

  • The A’s were trailing the Astros by 12 games back on June 18. Today they are tied for first place.
  • Oakland’s 74-69 (.602) record is tied for third best in the majors. It is tied for fourth place in A’s history after 123 games.
  • Khris Davis’ double in the first inning snapped a 0-13 hitless streak.
  • Matt Olson’s two doubles extended his hitting streak to six games.
  • Matt Chapman’s 14 game hitting streak and 30 game on-base streak came to an end on Saturday when he went 0-for-4 in the game.
  • Add on Trevor Cahill: he retired 20 of the 22 batters he faced in the game. The A’s have won Cahill’s last seven starts.

Astros’ notes

  • The A’s scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning which means the Astros opponents have now outscored them 56-55 in the first inning.
  • Alex Bregman’s road on-base streak continues as he picked up a base-on-balls on Saturday. His streak currently stands at 38 games.
  • The ‘Stros recorded just two hits in their loss on Saturday. It was just the third time this season they posted two or fewer hits in a game.
  • Dallas Keuchel (9-10)–who was charged with the loss–saw his four-game road winning streak come to an end.

Up Next

The A’s and Astros wrap up the three game series on Sunday at 1:05 pm PDT on Sunday.

The Astros will send RHP Justin Verlander (11-8, 2.52) to the mound in an attempt to salvage one win in the series. The A’s will go with their ace LHP Sean Manaea (11-8, 3.44). Manaea won his last start on Monday in Oakland over the Mariners 7-6. He is 1-1 in three starts versus the Astros this season.

The A’s score early and often in 7-0 win over Angels on Saturday night

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
a-angels score
Photo: @NBCAuthentic

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Oakland Athletics jumped back into the win column on Saturday night with a 7-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. The A’s scored their seven runs in the first four innings and the Angels were never able to respond.

Marcus Semien may have had his best game of the season at the plate on Saturday. The A’s shortstop went 3-for-5, hitting two home runs (8, 9), driving in four runs (43) and scoring three runs. Semien’s third hit was his 26th double of the year.

angels semien
Semien’s second home run was the 8000th in Oakland history Photo: @Athletics

Khris Davis also joined the power show on Saturday night in Anaheim. “KD” smashed his 34th round-tripper of the season in the third inning off Angels starter Tyler Skaggs. Davis also hit an RBI-single in the fourth inning. Davis now has 92 RBIs for the year to date.

Matt Chapman had a 2-for-5 game with the bat. Chapman hit a single up the middle in the top of the first to drive Semien home from second to score the A’s first run of the game. It was Chapman’s 40th RBI of the season. Chapman scored a run in the fourth inning on Davis’ RBI single.

Stephen Piscotty went 3-for-5 with the bat and scored a run for Oakland. A’s catcher Jonathan Lucroy had a 2-for-4 game at the plate and also scored a run.

The A’s scored seven runs on 14 hits while leaving nine men on base. They went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position. And while they picked up 14 hits, their batters struck out just seven times. More hits than strikeouts–is that allowed in an MLB game this year?

angels bomel
Photo/Graphic: @Athletics

Strong starting pitching for Oakland
Edwin Jackson–who almost did not make the Major League roster–picked up his fourth win of the season in this game. He worked 7.1 innings of shutout baseball, allowing the Halos just three hits and three walks while striking out six batters. The 7.1 innings represents the deepest into a game Jackson has worked since joining the A’s. He had worked into the sixth inning six times. Jackson threw 110 pitches (65 strikes).

Jackson’s strong starting pitching effort meant that Trivino, Familia, and Treinen were able to take the night off.

Ryan Buchter worked 0.2 innings of relief in the eighth inning, striking out two batters. Emilio Pagan worked the bottom of the ninth, which got a little more exciting than the A’s would have liked. Pagan loaded up the bases with no outs but worked his way out of trouble without allowing a run to score.

The win affects the West, but not the Wild Card
The Mariners beat the Astros again on Saturday, so the A’s gained ground on Houston, but did not create any additional separation between themselves and Seattle.

Oakland has cut the Houston lead in the American League West to 3.5 games. The Astros have lost three straight games. The Astros and A’s play a three-game series next weekend in Oakland.

The A’s lead over the M’s in the Wild Card race stays steady at 1.5 games. The A’s and M’s play a three-game series Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Oakland.

Up Next
The three-game series will wrap up on Sunday with a 1:07 pm PDT game. The A’s will send RHP Trevor Cahill to the mound (4-2, 3.12) to face the Angels’ Taylor Cole, who will start what will be a bullpen game for LAA.

A’s In Overdrive: 6-0 shutout gives Oakland a clean sweep of the Tigers

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND–The 201st start of Trevor Cahill’s Major League career was quite simply his biggest to date, and from the beginning on Sunday, the 10-year veteran appeared intent on making it one of his best.

Cahill threw six innings of shutout ball, while striking out 10 batters, and the A’s cruised to a 6-0 win, sweeping their season series with the Tigers, seven straight. Cahill, who was signed to a second tour of duty with the A’s in the off-season, won his third consecutive start for the first time since 2012, when he was with Arizona. Cahill, along with Brett Anderson and Edwin Jackson, were supposed to serve as experienced stop gaps, but on the A’s month plus hot streak, the trio has provided much more.

“I feel confident when every one of our starters goes out there, I feel like we’re going to win,” Cahill said. “That’s all you can ask for.”

Cahill made his big league debut in 2009 and pitched for three mediocre A’s teams before he was dealt to Arizona prior to the 2012 season. In the desert, Cahill’s promise as a starter began to fade, and he finished the 2014 season working out of the bullpen. After brief stints with the Dodgers and Braves, Cahill signed with the Cubs and pitched out of the bullpen in their 2015 postseason run that ended in the NLCS versus the Mets. In 2016, Cahill made 49 appearances out of the bullpen, but was inactive in the postseason as the Cubs captured their elusive World Series title.

This spring, when Cahill reached terms to return to Oakland, he was joining his third team in less than two seasons, the embodiment of an aging–yet just 30-years old–pitcher, no longer a starter, or an effective reliever. Fast forward a couple of months, and Cahill appears to be another in a long list, like Dennis Eckersley, Frank Thomas, Josh Willingham and others who revived their careers at the Coliseum playing for the A’s.

Cahill took the mound on Sunday, in his first, late season start for a team in playoff contention in his career, and occupying a pivotal role for a club that appears to be set everywhere except in the starting rotation. While speculation persists that the A’s will add a starter or two through a waiver wire deal, Cahill has made his case, pitching better and better culminating with his appearance on Sunday.

In the first inning, Cahill allowed a leadoff single to Mike Gerber, then allowed the baserunner to advance when he threw wildly to second on a fielder’s choice play. But with the bases loaded and two outs, Cahill recovered, striking out Jim Aducci to end the inning.

From there, Cahill cruised, retiring James McCann to end the fourth inning, the only other time he faced a batter with a runner in scoring position. Afterwards, Cahill acknowledged that his job is much easier being on a club with two, obvious strengths in its bullpen and quick-strike offense.

“We know the bullpen is a strength,” Cahill said. “We know the guys can score, so it helps us out. Gives us confidence to go out there, trust our stuff. We have an offense that can pick us up if we do make a mistake. If we do get in a jam, our bullpen is really good, obviously.”

The A’s got all the offense they needed on solo shots from Khris Davis and Matt Chapman. Both sluggers also homered in Saturday’s game. But rookie callup Ramon Laureano racked up three hits and a RBI, proving that the A’s can put together offense without needing someone’s to hit the ball out of the park.

Oakland moved within four games of Houston in the AL West, and 2 1/2 games of the Yankees in the race for home field advantage in the AL Wild Card game as both teams lost one run ballgames on the road.

How hot are the A’s? Sizzling, as captured by their 43-game run in which they’ve now won 33 times. Besides sweeping Detroit and Toronto, home and away, the A’s won their sixth straight, the third time they’ve had a win streak of that length this season. And among the six, hottest clubs in MLB over the last 43 games, the A’s are the hottest, so hot, they’ve won eight more times than the Rockies and Indians, the fifth and sixth teams on that list.

On Tuesday, the A’s see the NL West-leading Dodgers in a two-game set that starts with Sean Manaea looking for his 11th win.

A’s win their fifth game in a row, downing the Tigers 2-1 on Saturday night

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Chappy HR
Chapman hit home run number 14 Photo @Athletics

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND, Calif. — The announced attendance at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night was 33,668. They came to see the hometown Oakland Athletics, who started the game versus the Detroit Tigers in second place in the American League West and in the American League Wild Card playoff race. The big crowd also came to see a “Harry Potter” inspired fireworks show that would follow the contest.

The fans were treated to another A’s win as they beat the Tigers 2-1. It was the A’s fifth consecutive win as they have won every game of this current homestand. Oakland is now 20 games over .500 as they improved to 66-46 with 50 games left to play in the regular season.

The one question this reporter had after the game was – how many of the 33,668 paying customers really enjoyed the A’s win? It was a bit like taking a ride with Mr. Peabody and Sherman in the Waybac Machine because it was not a typical 2018 MLB game. Strong pitching and good defense dominated the game with some hitting highlights thrown in for good measure.

Mr Peabody

It was my kind of game, but I am an “old guy.” I love a pitcher’s duel. I do not have to see a half dozen home runs to feel like I have been to a great game. I hope the veteran fans in the crowd on Saturday night helped the younger fans appreciate what they were seeing. It is a side of baseball I hope we never lose an appreciation for as fans.

There were home runs

IMG_0519

All of the A’s runs came via the long ball. Matt Chapman led off the third inning by hitting a 0-2 pitch from Jordan Zimmerman to straightaway center field for his 14th home run of the season to tie the game at 1-1. After Jed Lowrie lined out to center field, Khris Davis stepped into the batter’s box to face Zimmerman. Davis “crushed” his 30th home run of the year into the left field seats off the first pitch delivered to him. That gave the A’s a 2-1 lead which as it would turn out would be all they would need to win the game.

Davis became the sixth player in A’s history to hit 30-plus home runs in three straight seasons. The last Athletic to accomplish the feat was Miguel Tejada in 2000-02.

Pitching was very strong

IMG_0520

Edwin Jackson continues to be an amazing performer on the mound for the A’s. He worked 6.1 innings giving up one run (unearned) off five hits. Jackson struck out three Tigers and walked just one. He earned the victory which upped his record to 3-2 on the season with a 2.87 ERA. Not bad for a pitcher who started off in Triple-A while trying to get back to “the Bigs.”

Lou Trivino came on to relieve Jackson in the seventh inning and gave up just one hit and no runs in 1.2 innings on the mound. If you are an A’s opponent and are trailing late in the game, you watch Trivino work magic on the hill knowing that in the ninth inning the worst is yet to come.

And, the worst did enter the game in the ninth as Blake Treinen took the ball to close out the contest. It was not a perfect inning as he did allow one hit while striking out two batters. Treinen now has 28 saves for the year to go with his 0.95 ERA.

The Tigers’ Jordan Zimmerman lost his fourth decision in a row. He has not won a game since July 6 when he beat Texas. Zimmerman was 4-0 before the losing streak began.

Zimmerman threw 6.1 innings giving up two runs (both earned, both home runs) while striking out six and walking just three. Frankly, Zimmerman pitched well enough to win on almost any given night except this one.

Drew VerHagen pitched 1.2 innings of perfect relief for Detroit, but the Tigers could not produce any more runs.

Defense

IMG_0512

In a 2-1 game, there are many plays by the defense that should be talked about, but we are only going to mention two in this story.

The two plays that will be referred to were both made by rookie outfielder Ramon Laureano, who played in his second major league game on Saturday night. He was supposed to have the night off, but Mark Canha came down ill and Laureano was pressed into service.

In the top of the fifth inning with two out, the Tigers’ Mike Gerber hit a “flare” into left-center field. Laureano ran to his right, stretched out and put a glove on the ball but it popped out of his glove. Gerber saw the ball get away and immediately kept running for second base. Laureano jumped up and threw the ball to second baseman Jed Lowrie who put the tag down on Gerber who over-slid the bag in his haste to get the extra base. That was the third out of the inning and the crowd expressed their appreciation for the rookie in a very vocal manner.

Jeimer Candelario led off the top of the seventh inning for Detroit. He hit a 2-2 pitch from Jackson into right-center field that looked like it would fall in for a base hit. Laureano ran hard to his left then went into a controlled slide and made a great catch for the first out of the inning. Yes, the crowd went wild.

Quick notes for hardcore fans

  • Quick game – 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • A’s six hits – 10 strikeouts
  • Tigers’ seven hits – six strikeouts
  • Runners In Scoring Position

A’s 0-for-10 (Wow!)

Tigers 1-for-4

  • Team Left on Base

Oakland 7

Detroit 4

  • Errors

A’s 1

Tigers 1

Up Next
The A’s will go for the series sweep on Sunday when they will send RHP Trevor Cahill (3-2, 3.39 ERA) to the hill to face the Tigers’ LHP Francisco Liriano (3-5, 4.62 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM PST.

Let’s Get Out Of Here: A’s swept in Denver, lose series finale 3-2

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

Turn the page and move on. What else could the A’s do after the clunker of a series in Denver that saw them get swept and only score four runs in three games?

“Now we have a chance to go back home and gain some ground again,” said manager Bob Melvin. “We’re looking at an extended stay at home, we’ve been on the road quite a bit and now it’s time for us to play really well at home. We do that, then we forget about this series.”

The A’s came to Denver red hot, having won 27 of 34, off a four-game sweep of Texas in which they scored 41 runs. But from the initial pitches thrown Friday night by Colorado’s Kyle Freeland, the A’s got a persistent tutorial from the National League’s hottest team and their emerging, starting rotation.

From that first inning–which ended with Matt Chapman lining out with the bases loaded–to the finish of German Marquez’ outing in the eighth inning on Sunday, the A’s were shutdown by Rockies’ starters Freeland, Antonio Senzatela and Marquez like no other starting trio had stymied them all year.

But all that pitching wasn’t a fluke, the Rockies are clearly building something. With Marquez picking up the win Sunday, the Rockies’ starters finished 8-0 with a 1.71 ERA at Coors Field in July, the best month in franchise history for their starting staff, and in terms of ERA, a full run lower than the previous record of 2.80.

Did the Rockies move back the fences, benefit from especially heavy Rocky Mountain air, or destroy the humidifiers? None of the above, it was the quality of Colorado’s pitches, and the A’s found out first hand.

For A’s catcher Jonathan Lucroy, the team’s offensive struggles with the Rockies’ staff were no surprise. Lucroy was a trade deadline acquisition for the Rockies in 2017, and had first hand knowledge of the pitching talent the team was developing.

“I knew coming into here that this was going to be a tough series. I played here for a couple of months and I knew that these guys were going to bring it, they come after it everyday. They play well at home. We kept them close defensively–on the mound–but we just couldn’t score runs offensively. Their guys threw pretty well.”

“Everything was going our way in Texas and in this series guys were lining out,” Stephen Piscotty said.

On Friday and Saturday, the A’s managed to create some scoring opportunities, but couldn’t cash in any of those situations. The A’s went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position on Friday, then 1 for 9 on Saturday. But their struggles with Marquez on Sunday were far more intense.

In seven plus innings of work, Marquez allowed solo shots to Chapman and Khris Davis, leading off the fourth and seventh innings respectively. That accounted for all of Oakland’s run scoring. The other three singles and a walk allowed by Marquez led nowhere, creating the oddity of the A’s never having a baserunner at second or third base during the entire game.

A’s hitting with runners in scoring position on Sunday? 0 for 0.

GAME NOTES: A’s starter Frankie Montas was lifted Sunday after allowing eight hits, including backup catcher Tom Murphy’s two-run homer that gave the Rockies’ early lead. Montas wasn’t all bad: he struck out six, walked two, and threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 23 batters he faced.

Speculation continues to surface regarding Brett Anderson being lifted from the A’s starting rotation. Anderson, in his second tour of duty with the club, is 2-3 with a 5.55 ERA and he was the losing pitcher on Saturday, allowing eight hits and four runs. Daniel Mengden, who was the A’s best starter in May, has made several starts for Triple-A Nashville and could be promoted as he’s recovered from earlier issues he had with a sprained foot, which landed him on the disabled list in June.

The A’s have hit 98 home runs in 59 road contests after Davis and Chapman connected on Sunday. The A’s have won 35 road contests, the second best total in MLB (Boston, 37).

Red hot, know-it-alls: Giants pose questions, A’s provide answers in second, straight, extra-inning win, 6-5

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND — If the next 60 games are like the last 30, the A’s are marching into the postseason, dragging naysayers and whatever left by the side of the road supporters along with them. Not only have the A’s won 23 of 30, they’ve developed an unmistakable swagger and belief.

Late game deficit? Just hold on. Late game deficit along with a slumbering offense? No problem. World class opponent like the Astros–or Indians, Giants and faltering Padres for that matter? The A’s elevate their game accordingly.

The Giants got their rough introduction to the transformation over the weekend in a pair of bitter, extra-inning defeats capped by Sunday’s 6-5 nail biter that swung on the unpredictable path of a high chopper on the infield. When the otherwise out of this world shortstop Brandon Crawford failed to come up with the ball, Marcus Semien (aboard on a leadoff walk issued by reliever Ty Blach) just happened to be in the right place, flying around third base and bearing down on home plate.

“The more we do this–since we’ve been on this run–the more confidence we gain,” said manager Bob Melvin. “And I think it’s important too that we lost the first game of the series both ends of this. And end up coming back and winning both. It kept the momentum as far as that preserverance trait goes.  And they expect to win.”

Expect to win? More like they forgot how to lose.

The A’s have won 10 times in this streak by scoring the winning run in the eighth inning or later. They’re 39-0 when leading after seven innings, and 47-0 when leading after eight. Neither of those last two numbers got a bump Sunday because the Giants staged a spirited rally with three runs in the seventh to tie, and another run in the eighth to take a short-lived lead.

But the first number on the list did get a bump, and it did so with the slimmest of advantages in the form of Matt Chapman’s game-winning, infield single.

Sunday, the A’s melded together eight hits in 10 innings and somehow, that added up to six runs. Hits with runners in scoring position? Just one in eight opportunities. On Saturday, it was six base hits and a double in 11 innings, along with nine walks issued by Giants’ pitchers, and the support of 56,310 partially supportive fans to etch together a win.

The A’s should open a new-age sewing factory: provide the materials, and the A’s will stitch together a win.

“It just shows the character of our team,” said Chapman. “We’re able to keep fighting until the last pitch, no matter whether we’re down or not. We always feel like we’re one swing away.”

GAME NOTES: Reliever Jeurys Familia, acquired from the Mets in a deal for two minor league prospects and cash considerations, made his A’s debut Sunday, throwing two scoreless innings which matched the longest outing of the pitcher’s season to date. Melvin gushed after the game at the A’s bullpen depth that allowed the manager to extend closer Blake Treinen on Saturday, while knowing a well-rested Familia would be available for an extended run on Sunday.

Familia was 4-4 with a 2.88 ERA and 17 saves in 40 appearances with New York. The 28 year-old, right-hander piled up 43 strikeouts while walking 14.

A’s starter Sean Manaea retired the first 14 batters he faced on Sunday, and limited his adversity to one run allowed in the fifth. Manaea struck out five batters, the first time he’s struck out more than four batters in a start since June 22 when he struck out seven in a start at the White Sox.

UP NEXT: The A’s will open a four-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday at 5:05 pm PDT.

Late rally lifts the A’s past the Indians 6-3 in 11 innings

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

ClePiscotty
Graphic:@Athletics

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Athletics (49-40) won on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, but they could not do it the easy way. It took them 11 innings and two late scoring barrages to down the Indians 6-3 in game two of the three-game series. The series is now tied at one game apiece as the teams prepare to finish the series on Sunday.

The A’s knew they were going to have an uphill battle on Saturday as they had to face “the ace” of Cleveland staff — Corey Kluber. Kluber — who has won two Cy Young Awards — started the game with a record of 12-4 and an ERA of 2.49. His WHIP was 0.88. None of those stats give an opponent hope of getting healthy versus a starter like Kluber.

The A’s did counter with their own starter who has become quite a headliner in his own right — Edwin Jackson. Jackson who is now pitching in 16th Major League campaign has become the big story for the Athletics. As he started the game, Jackson had not walked a batter in his two previous starts.

Neither Kluber or Jackson figured into the final decision of the game. Kluber left the game after pitching seven innings of shutout baseball. Jackson left the game after 5.2 innings having given up three runs (two earned).

CleSat
Progressive Field was almost full on Saturday Photo: @Indians

Great starts need great bullpens to keep them intact

Cleveland manager Terry Francona tapped Neil Ramirez to take over the pitching duties in the top the eighth inning for Kluber.

Ramirez started off strong getting Dustin Fowler to strike out for the first out of the inning. Mark Canha came to bat next and singled to left field.

Jed Lowrie was the third hitter of the inning. Ramirez and Lowrie had a seven-pitch battle. Lowrie hit the 2-2 pitch over into the right field seats for a two-run home — his 15th of the season.

With the score now 3-2, Khris Davis was next to face Ramirez. Krush hit a 1-1 fastball 431 feet into the center field seats to tie the game at 3-3. The near-sellout crowd in the “Rock ‘n Roll City” became as quiet as a church. You may have been able to hear the fans in Northern California screaming as their team made their comeback.

Extra Innings are always interesting if not fun

CleSatlineup
Graphic @Athletics

Neither team mounted a serious scoring threat in the ninth or 10th innings.

By the top of the 11th inning, everyone was starting to get really nervous. The A’s had already used closer Blake Treinen in the bottom of the 10th inning. The Indians had lost their designated hitter because of moves with pinch hitters. The longer these games go, the more convoluted the managing moves become.

Josh Tomlin took over the pitching duties for Cleveland (49-38) in the top of the 11th. Matt Olson led off with a single to right field.

With no outs and Olson at first, Stephen Piscotty came to the plate to face Tomlin. Piscotty battled Tomlin to a 3-2 count. Piscotty hit the seventh pitch over the left-center field wall for a two-run home run to give the A’s a 5-3 lead.

Matt Chapman was the next to bat and he hit a line drive double to left field. Marcus Semien then grounded out to third. Chapman had to hold at second.

Jonathan Lucroy was the next hitter. While Lucroy was at the plate, Chapman was able to steal third base. Lucroy reached first on a fielding error by Lindor and Chapman was able to score the Athletics third run.

When the top the 11th inning was over, the A’s held a 6-3 lead.

The Indians went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 11th inning and Oakland won the game 6-3.

Pitching

The win went to Blake Treinen who is now 5-1 on the season. He came back and pitched the bottom of the 11th as well for Oakland.

Lou Trivino gets special mention for pitching two strong innings of scoreless baseball as does Ryan Buchter for throwing 1.1 innings without allowing a run.

Josh Tomlin (0-5) was charged with the loss.

Hitting

The long ball was the A’s best friend on Saturday. Lowrie hit his 15th, Davis his 21st and Piscotty launched his eighth homer of the season. Chapman powered up two doubles.

Matt Chapman has a perfect day at the plate going 4-for-4 on Saturday.

The RBI just keep on coming. Jed Lowrie added two more to up his total to 61 for the season. Khris Davis (58), Piscotty 2 (38) and Lucroy (25) all had RBI in the game.

Lindor and Brantley continued to tear it up for the Indians. Lindor is now batting .301 and Brantley is hitting .310 for Cleveland.

Up next

The series concludes Sunday morning at 10:10 AM PDT when Brett Anderson (0-2, 7.63) takes the hill for Oakland to face the Indians Shane Bieber (4-0, 2.97).CleOakSatScore