Tag: marcus semien

Oakland A’s Sunday Game Wrap:A’s shutout Red Sox 1-0 in walk-off win

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
MLB: Boston Red Sox at Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics left fielder Khris Davis Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Just when it looked like a no-hitter was going to be pitched against the Oakland Athletics by Eduardo Rodriguez on Sunday, a 19-second video review overturned a call at first that would have been the third out in the bottom of the eighth inning and the bid for a no-hitter was over. Frankly, what happened next was unexpected.

The Red Sox brought in closer Craig Kimbrel to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning of the scoreless game. Danny Valencia led off the inning with a base on balls. With the potential winning run at first, the power-hitting Khris Davis came to the plate and hit a double to left field. Boston left fielder Brock Holt had trouble fielding the ball and Valencia was able to come home for the winning run. Davis was credited with a double and Holt was charged with an error so the run was unearned.

The Athletics defeated the Red Sox 1-0 in the final game of the three-game series. For the A’s, they score one run on just two hits while leaving six men on base. Oakland committed one error. Boston scored no runs off six hits and left nine men on base. The Red Sox committed two errors in the game.

On the Bump

It was a day that was all about pitching. The A’s had given up 27 runs in the first two games versus the Red Sox. Oakland needed a shutdown performance to give them a chance to salvage a win in the final game of the series.

A’s starter Kendall Graveman (10-9, 3.81) gave his team that chance on Sunday. He worked 6.1 scoreless innings for his team. Graveman struck out seven and walked just two. He threw 112 pitches (71 strikes).

A’s manager Bob Melvin said after the game that the key to the win was Graveman’s ability to work his way out of a bases loaded situation in the top of the fourth inning.

For all of his hard efforts, Graveman earns a no decision for the day.

Ryan Dull came on to relieve Graveman in the seventh inning with runners at first and second. Dull closed out the seventh and faced just four batters in the eighth inning to keep the shutout intact.

Closer Ryan Madson was brought in for the top of the ninth inning. He put the side down in order to keep Boston without a run on the board. Madson was the pitcher of record when Valencia scored the winning run so he picks up the win. Madson is now 5-4 on the season.

Graveman, Dull and Madson combined to shutout a very powerful Boston Red Sox team.

For most of the game, it appeared that Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 4.83) would be the story of the contest by pitching a no-hitter. The Red Sox left-hander was in command on the mound right from the beginning of the game. He struck out five and walked just two batters. Rodriguez had three 1-2-3 innings.

Rodriguez was cruising to another three-up, three-down inning when the unthinkable happened. With two out and Marcus Semien at the plate, the A’s shortstop hit a ball right back to the mound at the feet of the pitcher. Rodriguez could not find the ball. When Rodriguez finally found the ball, he fired it to first and Semien was called out. Almost immediately, the A’s were calling for a review and the umpires initiated a review because it was after the seventh inning.

It only took 19-seconds for video control in New York to overturn the call and Semien was called safe. That was all for the no hit bid. Rodriguez got Jake Smolinski to ground out to end the eighth inning.

Rodriguez pitched 8.0-innings giving up no runs on one hit. He struck out five and walked two. He threw 110 pitches (72 strikes). Rodriguez is now 0-2 with a 2.83 ERA in his last five starts.

Craig Kimbrel takes the loss for the Sox. He gave up one run on one hit. He walked one hitter. Kimbrel’s record falls to 2-4 for the year.

In the Batter’s Box

The Khris Davis double was the highlight for the Athletics on Sunday. Davis went 1-for-4 in the game including two strike outs but kept his concentration and aggressiveness when his team needed it the most. For Davis, it was his 20th double of the year and his 85th RBI.

It was Big Papi’s last appearance at the Coliseum on Sunday and things did not go the way he would have liked them go. Ortiz went 0-for-2 on the day with two walks.

Rookie Yoan Moncada went 2-for-4 for his second consecutive multi-hit game.

In the Field

The Red Sox $60-million man – Rookie Yoan Moncada – committed his first big league error on Sunday. In the bottom of the second inning, Moncada attempted to field a ground ball hit to third by Ryon Healy. Moncada did not get in front of the ball and wound up waving at the ball with his glove as it bounced by him into left field. Even top prospects are humbled by the baseball.

Danny Valencia was charged with an error in the fourth inning when his throw to Marcus Semien drew the shortstop off the bag and allowed the runner to be called safe in what should have been a force out. The runner was originally called out and the Red Sox had to challenge the call. It took 1-minute 19-seconds for the original call to be overturned and for the error to be charged to Valencia.

Up Next – Here come the rookies

The A’s will host the LA Angels for a three-game series that will get underway on Monday afternoon at 1:05 PM. That game will feature the debut of RHP Raul Alcantara for the Athletics. Alcantara began the season at Double-A Midland and was then promoted to Triple-A Nashville. Alcantara made eight starts at Nashville and posted a 4-0 record with a 1.18 ERA.

LHP Ross Detwiler (1-3, 4.66) will start for Oakland on Tuesday night. The Angels have not named a starter.

The Wednesday afternoon game will feature another Major League debut as RHP Jharel Cotton will take the mound for the A’s. Cotton came to the A’s from the Dodgers as a part of the Josh Reddick/Rich Hill trade. Cotton made six starts for the Sounds and recorded a 3-1 record with a 2.82 ERA. One of those wins was a one-hitter that came very close to being a no-hitter. That performance won Cotton the PCL Player of the Week.

Alcantara and Cotton will be the 11th and 12th rookie pitchers to appear for the A’s this season. They will be the 26th and 27th pitchers used by Oakland in 2016.

Oakland A’s Sunday game wrap:White Sox pitching too strong again as A’s lose 4-2

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

8-21-16

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Chicago White Sox won the “rubber game” of the three-game series with the Oakland A’s on Sunday 4-2. The loss dropped the A’s record on the six-game road trip to 1-5.

The White Sox struck for three runs in the bottom of the first inning with two of those runs scoring with two out. When a team is having trouble winning games, allowing two runs to score with two men out is a back-breaker. It certainly was for the A’s on Sunday.

The A’s did cut the Chicago lead to one run in the top of the fourth inning when Khris Davis hit a two-run home run (32) to center field but that would be all the scoring for Oakland in game.

Jose Abreu – who has become an Athletics killer – led off the bottom of the fourth inning with his 16th home run of year to give the White Sox a much needed insurance run and a 4-2 lead in the game. That would prove to be the final scoring play of the game.

On the Bump

The White Sox were able to lean on their starting pitching again on Sunday as they sent LHP Jose Quintana to the mound in search of his 10th win of the 2016 season. Quintana had not been able to get that 10th victory in his two previous outings.

Quintana had everything working for him on Sunday. He gave up just two runs (both earned) on eight hits. The two runs did come off a home run. Quintana walked one and struck out eight Oakland batters. He faced 29 hitters and threw 99 pitches (66 strikes) in his 7.0 innings of work. Quintana did pick up the win and his record now stands at 10-9.

The Chicago bullpen was solid in helping Quintana get the win. Nate Jones came on in relief in the eighth inning and gave up no runs on one hit. He struck out two and was credited with holding the lead for the starter for the 25th time this season.

RHP closer David Robertson took over in the top of the ninth inning for the White Sox. Robertson did give up a lead-off single to Yonder Alonso but then settled down to retire the side and pick up his 32nd save of the year.

Zach Neal (2-3) made another emergency start for the A’s. Neal had actually been reassigned to the bullpen when it appeared that Jesse Hahn would be back to start this game for Oakland. When it was determined Hahn could not go, Neal stepped back into the starters role.

Neal gave up three runs in the bottom of the first inning with those runs coming after what should have been an inning-ending double play. Neal would give up one additional run on a Abreu home run in fourth inning, and he ultimately became responsible for the loss.

Neal pitched 4.2 innings giving up the four runs (all earned) on eight hits (one home run). He walked none and struck out two batters. His record now stands at 2-3 with a 5.49 ERA.

The A’s bullpen did a great job again on Sunday. The four Oakland relievers – Hendriks, Rzepczynski, Dull and Coulombe – allowed no runs on just three combined hits and one walk. The A’s bullpen is doing everything they can do to give their team a chance to get back into games and pick up wins.

In the Batter’s Box

The White Sox spread the offense over the entire line up again on Sunday. Seven of the nine men in the batting order picked up at least a base hit against the Oakland pitchers. Todd Frazier – who has been having a tough year with the bat – went 3-for-4 on Sunday driving in two of the Sox four runs. Frazier hit his 14th double of the season and picked up RBI 75 and 76 in the game.

Jose Abreu who hit his 16th home run of the season also scored two runs for Chicago.

Chicago Shortstop Tim Anderson had a 3-for-4 day and scored a run.

The White Sox went 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

Khris Davis was the A’s man with the bat on Sunday. He hit his 32nd home run of year and picked up two RBI to make his total 79 for the season.

Marcus Semien was also seeing the ball well on Sunday. He hit two doubles (17) off Quintana in the game and also scored a run.

A’s rookie second baseman Chad Pinder started the second game of his career on Sunday and picked up the first hit of his major league career. Pinder hit a single off Quintana in the top of the seventh inning with one out. The pressure of getting the first hit is off and now Pinder can settle in and just be a hitter.

The A’s went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

Defense

The A’s did not turn a double-play that would have ended the bottom of the first inning and held the White Sox scoreless. Jose Abreu grounded into a force out to shortstop Marcus Semien who tossed the ball to second baseman Chad Pinder who stepped on the bag to erase Melky Cabrera. Pinder then threw to first. The throw was low and to the right of first baseman Yonder Alonso’s glove and he was unable to make the catch. Abreu was safe at first and Tim Anderson advanced from second to third with two out.

The play was one that fans have become used to seeing Alonso dig out of the ground on a regular basis but he was not able to do so on Sunday. The inning continued and Chicago scored three runs. Pinder was charged with an error for his throw.

Up Next

The A’s jumped on their plane after the game and headed home to Oakland where they have a three-game series with the American League Central Division leading Cleveland Indians. The pitching probables are:

Mon. 8/22 7:05 PM  RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-6, 3.34) vs. RHP Andrew Triggs (0-1, 4.98)

Tue. 8/23 7:05 PM RHP Danny Salazar (11-4, 3.57) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (4-8, 4.73)

Wed. 8/24 12:35 PM RHP Trevor Bauer (9-5, 3.88) vs. RHP Kendall Graveman (9-8, 4:09)

Photo: Chicago Tribune

Cubs beat the A’s 3-1 to sweep the series

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND–The Chicago Cubs made it a three-game sweep over Oakland as they beat the Athletics 3-1 on Sunday. The Cubs supported the outstanding pitching of Kyle Hendricks with some timely hitting and the 104 mph pitches of Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning to nail down the win for Chicago.

The Cubs have now won seven consecutive games and 10 of their last 11 contests. Chicago is a season-high 28 games over .500 with a record of 69-41 which is best in the majors. This was their 10th series sweep of the season.

The A’s have now lost three in a row and eight of their last nine games. Oakland is now 15 games under .500 with a record of 48-63. This was the ninth time the A’s were swept this season.

On the Bump

Kyle Hendricks (11-7) has quietly been one of the most solid pitchers for the Cubs this season. He did not overpower hitters as his fastball topped out at 89 mph on a consistent basis. It was the sinking action of his fastball that caused Oakland hitters to groundout and the change up that kept the hitters off balance that Hendricks used to defeat the A’s.

Hendricks worked 7.1 innings giving up just one run (earned) on three hits. He struck out four batters and walked none. Hendricks entire outing was about control.

Pedro Strop worked 0.2 innings of relief for Hendricks.

Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth inning thrilling the crowd with pitches that hit 104 mph on the radar gun. Chapman did give up a single to the A’s Stephen Vogt, so he is human.

“He pitched great. A couple of swings ended up being two runs for them. Pitching deep into the game for us again. Getting the swings and misses. Using all three pitches. It’s a pretty good line up that other than two pitches he did a great job against,” said A’s manager Bob Melvin evaluating the pitching performance of Sean Manaea on Sunday.

Manaea (3-7) worked 6.0 innings giving up two runs (both earned) on six hits. He struck out four and walked two batters. Both runs came via the home run. Kris Bryant hit his 27th home run of the season off Manaea to lead off the top of the sixth inning and Jorge Soler hit his seventh homer of the year to lead off the seventh inning.

The A’s used five relief pitchers in the game. Reliever Liam Hendriks came in with the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the eight and worked out of that jam without allowing a run. Manager Bob Melvin praised Hendriks for his effort after the game.

Chris Smith who was just added to the A’s roster closed out the game for Oakland working a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

In the Batter’s Box

Marcus Semien was the bright spot for the A’s at the plate against the Cubs. Semien went 2-for-3 on the day. That included him crushing his 23rd home run of the season into the left center field seats which accounted for the only A’s run of the day.

Stephen Vogt and Max Muncy were the only other A’s to pick up hits in the game.

The A’s left three men on base.

Kris Bryant went 2-for-3, scored a run, hit a home run and walked twice in the game. The home run was his 27th of the year which is a new career-high.

Jorge Soler enjoyed being the Designated Hitter as he went 2-for-4. He hit his seventh home run of the season off Manaea.

Anthony Rizzo had a 1-for-4 day that included an rbi. He has now reached base safely in 14 consecutive starts.

The Cubs left eight men on base and went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Defense

Yonder Alonso executed the rare unassisted double play in the top of the third inning. With the bases loaded, the Cubs Ben Zobrist hit a low line drive down the first base line that Alonso snagged with his glove hand. He then stepped on the first base bag to double up the runner – Anthony Rizzo – to end the inning and the Cubs scoring threat.

A rare call by first base umpire Paul Emmel preserved a good defensive play by the A’s. In the top the fourth inning, Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras struck out but the pitch was in the dirt so the batter was able to run to first. Catcher Stephen Vogt fielded the ball and made the throw to first. Contreras ran out of the runners lane to distract Yonder Alonso who was waiting to catch the ball. Alonso dropped the ball but Emmel called Contreras out for leaving the lane and interfering with the play. It is a call that should be made more often.

Notes

Sonny Gray has been placed on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season. Gray was lifted from the game on Saturday when he strained his right forearm in the fifth inning. Gray was on the DL from May 21 to June 4 with a strained right trapezius.

Right-hand pitcher Chris Smith has been promoted from Triple-A Nashville to take Gray’s spot on the roster. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Smith, catcher Josh Phegley has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

This is the 25th time the A’s have placed a player on the DL this season. That ties a club all-time record.

Up Next

The Athletics will stay in Oakland for a four-game series with the Eastern Division leading Baltimore Orioles:

Mon 8/8 RHP Kendall Graveman (7-7,4.46) vs. RHP Kevin Gausman (3-8,4.08) 7:05 PM

Tue 8/9 RHP RHP Zach Neal (1-1,5.25) vs. LHP Wade Miley (0-1,7.20) 7:05 PM

Wed 8/10 TBA (probably a call up from Nashville) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (4-3,5.47) 7:05

Thu 8/11 TBA (possibly another Nashville call up) vs. RHP Chris Tillman (14-4,3.50) 7:05

The Cubs have the day off on Monday and start a two-game series with the Angles in Chicago on Tuesday.

Blue Jays beat the A’s 5-3 in a strange game

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics
Marcus Semien hits his 20th home run of the season. Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Oakland Athletics lost the final game of the three-game series to the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 on Sunday afternoon, but the A’s still won the series two games to one.

The Sunday game had “weird” painted all over it right from the beginning. Rich Hill started the game for Oakland and the speculation was that it would be his final start as an Athletic because of his trade value. Hill threw five pitches and called the trainer to the mound. A piece of skin came off where he had a blister that caused him to miss a start, and that was it for Hill. His day was over.

The A’s would use seven pitchers in the game but the real surprise was the appearance of starting pitcher Sean Manaea in the second inning of the game. The rookie left-hander was scheduled to start the game on Tuesday versus the Astros. After it was determined that reliever Andrew Triggs could not continue after being hit in the calf with a batted ball, manager Bob Melvin called on Manaea.

Melvin talked about how tough it was to ask Manaea to respond so quickly. “It’s tough to ask the kid to do something like that too. We were going to limit his pitches but we just didn’t have enough bullpen wise to get through the game if we didn’t use him. He responded really well. I’m sure he didn’t come to the ballpark thinking I might pitch today.”

Manaea worked five innings giving up two runs (both earned) on three hits. He struck out four Blue Jay hitters. Manaea did give up a two-run home run to Troy Tulowitzki in the top of the fourth inning. Tulowitzki hit his 16th home run of the season over the center field wall. Manaea did not figure in on the decision in Sunday’s game.

The Tulowitzki home run gave Toronto a 3-0 lead. The Jays scored a run in the that wild and confusing top of the first inning.

The A’s were having to battle the strong pitching of J.A. Happ who entered the game with a 12-3 record. Happ held the A’s hitless through the first three innings.

The A’s broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning when they sent nine men to the plate and scored three runs on four hits to tie the game at 3-3. Marcus Semien started the scoring for the A’s by hitting his 20th home run of the year.

The game remained tied until the top of the ninth when the Blue Jays put runners on base by virtue of back-to-back base hits. With two outs, former Athletic Josh Donaldson stepped in and hit a double to left field that drove in two runs giving Toronto a 5-3 lead. The A’s were unable to respond in the bottom of the ninth and the final score was Toronto 5 Oakland 3.

On the bump

Rich Hill showed reporters his finger and the skin that had come off that finger. It does not look like an injury that is going to heal quickly. Bob Melvin was clear in postgame press conference that Hill was not a candidate to start on Tuesday against Houston.

Andrew Triggs who was hit by a ball on his left calf has a serious contusion. Melvin said they will evaluate Triggs situation again on Monday.

Marc Rzepczynski worked 0.2 of an inning and struck out two batters. Liam Hendricks pitched 1.1 innings and walked one hitter while giving up no runs in relief.

John Axford (3-3) took the loss going 0.2 innings giving up two runs (earned) on three hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Patrick Schuster worked 0.1 inning to close out the game.

Happ worked 5.2 innings giving up 3 runs (all earned) on five hits for Toronto. He struck out five and walked one. Happ did not figure in on the decision.

Jason Grilli (3-1) was credited with the win. Grilli worked 1.0 inning giving up no runs and no hits in his time on the mound.

The save went to Roberto Osuna. It is his 19th save of the season.

In the batter’s box

Marcus Semien went 1-for-4 with a run scored, a home run and a RBI. He now has 20 home runs and 48 RBI both of which are career highs.

Danny Valencia had a 2-for-4 day that included scoring a run. Valencia is now hitting .307 in the 56 games since he came off the disabled list May 6th. There have to be some contending teams that want his bat in their lineup and are willing to part with prospects to get it.

Jed Lowrie went 2-for-4 on Sunday. Lowrie is 6-for-16 (.375) in his four starts as the leadoff batter this season.

Yonder Alonso came into the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and went 1-for-2 hitting a double that was good for two RBI.

Josh Donaldson has reached base safely in 22 straight games and is hitting .388 over that period. He went 2-for-5 on Sunday.

Russell Martin went 2-for-3 on Sunday and scored a run. He is hitting .324 over the last 10 games.

Edwin Encarnacion had a 1-for-4 day but is .394 over his last 20 games.

Notes:

The Athletics were involved in a minor transaction on Sunday as they acquired left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. Detwiler was pitching for Triple-A Columbus and will be assigned to Triple-A Nashville for the A’s. He will not be on the 40-man roster.

This move was made to shore up the pitching staff in Nashville which has seen so many changes as pitchers have been promoted to Oakland and others have been designated for assignment.

Toronto first baseman Justin Smoak signed a two-year contract extension worth $8.25 million on Saturday. The contract includes an option year that would pay Smoak $6 million if exercised.

“We love Toronto, me and my family, and we wanted to stay here as long as we can,” Smoak said. “So we just wanted to get something done.”

Smoak is currently a role player for the Blue Jays. His signing is seen as protection at first base in case free agent Edwin Encarnacion signs elsewhere.

Up next

Three-game series in Oakland with Houston:

Mon – RHP Kendall Graveman (5-6,4.37) vs. RHP Mike Fiers (6-3,4.35) 7:05 PM

Tue – To be announced vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel (6-9,4.90) 7:05 PM

Wed – RHP Daniel Mengden (1-4,5.54) vs. RHP Doug Fister (9-6,3.64) 12:35 PM

Toronto heads to Phoenix for two games with the Diamondbacks

A’s minor league spotlight: Franklin Barreto

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

Franklin_Barreto_5.23.16_for_6.2.16_eoii4i8c_3ee0o7ov

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Oakland Athletics will be looking for prospects just like the one who is in out minor league spotlight this week as they move veteran players to playoff contenders between now and August 1st. Infielder Franklin Barreto is ranked the number one prospect in the A’s minor league system and he was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as a part of the Josh Donaldson trade that also brought Kendall Graveman to the Athletics.

Barreto was originally signed by Toronto for $1.45 million in 2012. Barreto began to catch everyone’s attention in 2014 when he led the Northwest League in multiple categories. He had a .311 batting average and .384 on base percentage. Barreto was seen as a major piece of the Donaldson trade.

After joining the A’s organization, Barreto was assigned to Advanced Class-A Stockton in the California league. He immediately found success at the plate hitting .302 with an OBP of .333. Barreto had 13 home runs and 22 doubles in 90 games, but his season was cut short when he suffered a wrist contusion in late July that put him on the disabled list for the rest of the year.

The scouts rank Barreto as an above average hitter with average power but some see him with more than average power. He is rated as a average runner. Barreto is said to have an outstanding arm but is considered to be a below average fielder.

Barreto is currently assigned to Double-A Midland of the Texas League. He has appeared in 87 games and currently has a .258 batting average with a .321 on base percentage and a .387 slugging percentage. Barreto has 17 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 32 RBI. He 22-for-32 in the stolen base department. Based on his current hitting statistics, Barreto will probably be looking at spending at least the first half of the 2017 season back Midland.

Barreto has also struggled defensively. His original position was shortstop but there was a problem with to many errors being committed. At Midland this season, they have used Barreto at second base and at shortstop. He has committed three errors in 28 games at second and 14 errors in 56 games at short. With shortstop Marcus Semien in the majors and Triple-A All-Star shortstop Chad Pinder at Nashville, Barreto’s future may be at second base or at a corner spot in the outfield.

Barreto was selected to the Texas League South Division All-Star Team. He played second base and hit a double in the game that the South Division won 8-3.

 

 

Not enough runs or hits, too many errors lead to 2-1 A’s loss

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
MLB: Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Heading into the game on Sunday with the Astros, the Oakland Athletics had gone 15 consecutive games without committing an error – a franchise record. On Sunday, the A’s committed four errors and one of those errors literally cost them the game as they lost the series finale 2-1 in 10 innings to the Astros in Houston.

In the bottom of the 10th inning with two out and runners at the corners, Carlos Correa hit a hard grounder down the third base line that Danny Valencia fielded 10 feet behind the bag. Valencia’s throw pulled first baseman Yonder Alonso off the base allowing Carlos Correa to reach safely. The Astros Jake Marisnick took off from third with the crack of the bat and he scored easily to give Houston its second walk-off victory of the four-game series.

The win gave the Astros a 2-2 split in the final series before the All-Star Break. The A’s finish their seven-game road trip with 3-4 record. Oakland finishes “the unofficial first-half of the season” with a record of 38-51 in fourth place in the American League West 15.5 games behind division leading Texas.

Beyond the tragedy of losing an extra-inning game on an error, the A’s wasted a great outing by rookie starting pitcher Sean Manaea. Manaea who was roughed up in his last start really rebounded on Sunday. He worked 7.0 innings on Sunday giving up no runs on just five hits. Manaea walked none and struck out six Astro batters. He threw 106 pitches (72 strikes) in his seven innings of work. Manaea wound up with a no decision for his start on Sunday.

On the Bump

The A’s used a total of four pitchers on Sunday. John Axford pitched one scoreless inning and struck out two taking over for Manaea in the eighth inning. Ryan Madson was brought in to close out the game out in the ninth inning. Madson gave up a one-out infield single to Carlos Gomez who then advanced to second on a stolen base. With two out, Evan Gattis lined a double to left that drove Gomez home to tie the game at 1-1. It was Madson’s second blown save of the series and his fifth of the season.

Liam Hendricks was on the mound in the bottom of the 10th when the winning run crossed the plate so he is hung with the loss and his record falls to 0-2.

Dallas Keuchel started the game for Houston. Last year’s Cy Young Award winner has really struggled this season. He worked seven innings against the A’s giving up one run (earned) on four hits. Keuchel struck out five and walked two. Keuchel (6-9, 4.80) ended up with a no decision despite turning in one of his better performances of the seasons.

Astros reliever Will Harris gets the win as he was pitcher of record in the 10th inning.

In the Batter’s Box

There are not many highlights to talk about for the A’s at the plate. The Athletics managed to accumulate just four hits on Sunday afternoon. All of their hits were singles.

The A’s scored their lone run by putting two of those singles together in the sixth inning. Catcher Matt McBride led the inning off with a grounder to left field. McBride moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt by Coco Crisp. Marcus Semien then hit a sharp line drive to left that allowed McBride to score from second.

Oakland went 1-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left four runners on base.

The Astros strung together eight hits in the game. The RBI-double by Evan Gattis in the ninth was the only extra-base hit of the game for either side. Gattis also had the only multi-hit day going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Houston left nine men on base and went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

Defense (or lack there of)

Danny Valencia not only had to deal with the anguish of giving up the winning run on error producing throw in the bottom of the 10th inning, he had to deal with the fact it was his second error of the game. He had a fielding error earlier in the contest. Valencia has now committed 13 errors on the season.

Marcus Semien committed his ninth error of the year in the bottom of the sixth inning when he had trouble fielding a ball off the bat of Marwin Gonzalez.

Coco Crisp committed his second error of the season in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The A’s have now committed 57 errors on the season – fourth most in the American League.

Up Next

For most of the A’s the next few days mean some much needed rest and escape from the pressures of a season gone awry. Only Stephen Vogt is heading to San Diego for the All-Star festivities.

For the A’s management and coaching staff, the four days are going to have to be ones of real reflection, honest evaluation and decision making about the future.

On the field, only one goal makes any sense right now and that is getting to .500. Being 13 games under .500 at the All-Star Break creates an incredible uphill climb for the A’s. Getting to .500 will take a Herculean effort and then it may be too late to contend even for a Wild Card spot. But getting to .500 is the only goal that makes sense for A’s on the field right now.

In the front offices, the questions are all about what does the team do between now and the August 1st trade deadline. Oakland has some players that contenders have to be interested in for the stretch run to the postseason. Hitters like Valencia, Davis and Reddick will always be in demand. A veteran utility guy like Jed Lowrie who comes with a decent bat is a desired piece in the postseason. Teams cannot have enough pitching so Rich Hill, Ryan Madson, John Axford, Sean Doolittle (if healthy) and even Sonny Gray may be players being sought after by contending clubs.

What will the A’s want in return? Prospects is what it will be all about. Think Manea, Mengden and there are more players in Triple-A and Double-A from recent trades that are showing true potential to be big league material.

The one thing that is a given for A’s fans in the second half is it will not be boring. It never is.

The A’s Daniel Mengden pitches Oakland to a win over the Giants

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by Jerry Feitelberg

AP photo: The Oakland A’s Danny Valencia is greeted at home plate by Yonder Alfonso scoring one of the A’s eight runs on Monday night at AT&T Park

SAN FRANCISCO–The Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants squared off in game one of a four-game series. The first two games will be played at AT&T Park in San Francisco, and the last two games will be at the Oakland Coliseum. Jeff Samardzija, who played for Oakland in 2014, started for the Giants, and he was opposed by the A’s rookie, Daniel Mengden. Mengden, without question, was the star of the game. He went seven and two-thirds innings and allowed just four hits and one run and won his first win in the Major Leagues. The A’s fans in attendance gave him a rousing standing ovation as he left the field. Mengden has pitched well in all four starts since being called up from Nashville. His ERA dropped to 2.45. Samardzija, on the other hand, took the loss and his record is now 8-5. Samardzija is now 1-3 in his last six starts after going 7-3 with an ERA of 2.84.

The A’s rocked Samardzija for five hits and five runs in the top of the second inning as they batted around, sending nine men to the plate. Danny Valencia singled to get things going. Khris Davis drove him in with the A’s first run with a double. Yonder Alonso walked to put men on at first and second with no out. A’s shortstop, second on the team with fourteen big flies, hit his fifteenth of the year to drive in three and put the A’s in front 4-0. Samardzija retired the next two hitters but Coco Crisp singled, and Jed Lowrie followed with a double to drive in Crisp with the A’s fifth run.

The A’s added a run in the sixth. With two out, Samardzija gave up back-to-back doubles to Yonder Alonso and Marcus Semien. Semien has knocked in four runs so far in the game. The A’s continued to hit Giants pitching as they scored two more runs in the seventh. Chris Stratton was now pitching for San Francisco. Stratton walked one and allowed three hits as the A’s stretched the lead to 8-0.

The Giants scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth. The first two Giant hitters singled to start the rally. They both advanced on a wild pitch to put men on at second and third with no out. Mengden walked Jarrett Parker to load the bases. Giant pitcher Chris Stratton  hit into a 6-4-3 double play. Ramiro Pena scored the first run of the game for the Giants. Mengden walked Joe Panik, and that was the last batter that he would face. A’s manager Bob Melvin brought in Fernando Rodriguez to pitch. The Giants put another run on the board when Rodriguez uncorked a wild pitch while Brandon Belt was at bat. Belt struck out to end the inning. The A’s hold a commanding lead 8-2 after eight. The A’s Zach Neal could not close out the game as the Giants nailed him for three hits to score their third run of the game. Marc Rzepczynski threw one pitch, and he got Gregor Blanco to ground out to end the game.

Game Notes- The hitting stars for Oakland Monday night were Marcus Semien and Khris Davis. Semien had a double and a homer and drove in four runs. Davis had two singles and two ribbies.The A’s are 4-1 on the current road trip and are averaging 6.6 runs per game.

The A’s also announced that they claimed RHP Nick Tepesch off waivers from the LA Dodgers and have designated lefty Eric Surkamp for assignment.

Tepesch, 27, is 9-18 with a 4.68 ERA in 43 major-league appearances, 40 of them starts, with the Rangers (2013-14) and Dodgers (2016). He will report to Triple-A Nashville, though manager Bob Melvin expects to see Tepesch with the A’s at some point this season.

The A’s and Giants continue the four-game series Tuesday night in San Francisco. The Giants will send Albert Suarez (3-1,3.68) to the hill, and the A’s will counter with Kendall Graveman (3-6,4.68) Gametime will be at 7:15 PM.

Time of game was two hours and forty-three minutes, and 41,442 fans watched Mendgen’s outstanding performance.

Oakland takes the first game of the Series with the Brewers

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by Jerry Feitelberg

photo from sfgate.com: Oakland A’s pitcher Sonny Gray throwing against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night at the Oakland Coliseum

OAKLAND–The Oakland A’s bats were on fire late in the game against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday night. The A’s won the game 5-3. The A’s, who had scored just four runs in their last four games were able to get key hits when it counted to propel them into victory lane. A’s starter Sonny Gray pitched six strong innings. Gray allowed two runs, one of which was unearned. Gray gave up six hits, and he did not get a decision. The A’s bullpen, for the most part, was excellent. Sean Doolittle pitched a strong seventh. Ryan Dull was magnificent in the eighth, and Ryan Madson closed out the game for Oakland. The one sour note was the performance of John Axford. Axford has been struggling lately and tonight was no exception. He faced two hitters and each one doubled.

The Brewers scored a run in the top of the fourth. Sonny Gray had allowed just two hits up to this point in the game but the Brewers’, behind two singles and a double, put the first tally of the game on the board. The A’s tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Max Muncy and Jed Lowrie singled to put runners at first and third with one out. A’s catcher Stephen Vogt drove in the tying run when he ground out. Lowrie, running on the play, reached second safely, and that allowed the run to score.

The Brew Crew scored an unearned run in the top of the sixth to regain the lead. Ryan Braun led off with a single. With one out and Braun at first, Sonny Gray threw the ball past first baseman Yonder Alonso for an error. The ball rolled far enough down the line to enable Braun to make it safely to third. The Brewers’ big slugger, Chris Carter, singled to left to drive in Braun with Milwaukee’s second run. The A’s tied the game in their half of the sixth. Former Brewer, Khris Davis singled to start the frame. Davis advanced to second on a passed ball. A’s Designated hitter, Billy Butler, made a productive out as hit to advance Davis to third. With two out, Marcus Semien singled to right to drive in Davis. The score is tied at two after six innings of play.

The A’s scored three unearned runs in the seventh inning. Brewer shortstop committed an error to open the floodgates for the A’s. The A’s scored the go-ahead run runners at first and second and one out. Yonder Alonso singled to drive in Danny Valencia. A’s shortstop Marcus Semien drove in two more when he tripled to left-center. The A’s are in the lead 5-2 heading into the top of the eighth.

The Brewers first two batters in the eighth hit back-to-back doubles to cut the deficit to two.  Bob Melvin brought in former Brewer, John Axford, to pitch. Scooter Gennett doubled and then scored on a double off the bat of Ryan Braun. Melvin took Axford out and replaced him with Ryan Dull. Dull, who had not allowed an inherited run to score so far this season, was magnificent, and he retired the next three Brewers and ended the threat. Ryan Madson retired the Brewers in order to preserve the win for Oakland.

Game Notes- Marcus Semien had three hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs for the Green and Gold.  Jed Lowrie was 3-for-5, and Danny Valencia pitched in with two hits. Valencia was hit by a pitch on the wrist, but he was able to continue.

With the win, the A’s improve to 29-41 while Milwaukee drops to 31-40. Game two will be played Wednesday afternoon at 12:35 Pm at the Coliseum. Rookie Daniel Mengden will go for Oakland, and his opponent will be Junior Guerra.

Time of game was three hours and thirty-two minutes, and 14,810 faithful watched their beloved A’s defeat the Brewers.

 

The losing streak is over, A’s beat Reds 6-1

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
MLB: Oakland Athletics at Cincinnati Reds
Marcus Semien hits a two-run home run Photo Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Oakland Athletics went into the game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds needing a win in the worst way. Losers of seven consecutive games, the A’s were in danger of going 0-8 on an eight game road trip. The psychological damage to the team by going winless on the road trip could have devastating effects for the rest of the season.

Not only did the A’s have to battle a losing streak, they had to battle the weather. The Midwestern summer has come early and it was 89-degrees with 55-percent humidity at game time. That made it feel like the temperature was 96-degrees. The Athletics are not used to playing in those conditions.

The A’s found their power and used the long ball with men on base to take an early lead that they never relinquished but only added to as the game progressed. Oakland had to pitch by committee due to the weather and because they were playing an Inter-league game in a National League park where the pitchers had to bat. They played the game like a team that knew they had to win the game.

In the batter’s box

Marcus Semien started off the scoring for the A’s in the top of the second inning when he hit a 3-1 pitch from John Lamb over the left field wall with Billy Butler on base to give Oakland a 2-0 lead. It was Semien’s 12th home run of the season. He finished the day going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.

The A’s scored two more runs in the second inning when Jake Smolinski hit his second home run of the year off Lamb with Josh Phegley on base. Smolinski’s home run gave the A’s a 4-0 lead at the time.

Danny Valencia joined the home run derby when he hit a solo shot into the left field seats in the top of the eighth inning off reliever A.J. Morris to give the A’s a 5-1 lead.

The A’s manufactured a run in the top of the ninth when Khris Davis hit a line drive single to center that allowed Coco Crisp to score the sixth run from second base.

Khris Davis had a 2-for-5 game with the insurance RBI.

Billy Butler continued to be productive at the plate going 3-for-3 with a run scored. The A’s have been waiting all season for Butler to catch fire.

Jed Lowrie stayed hot with the bat going 3-for-5 in the game. Lowrie’s average now stands at .303.

The A’s scored six runs on 15 hits with eight runners left on base.

The Reds only run came in the bottom of the second inning when outfielder Steve Selsky scored off catcher Ramon Cabrera’s double to left field. Kendall Graveman was on the mound for the A’s.

The Reds scored one run on seven hits and left six men on base despite the A’s having to use five different pitchers in the game.

On the Mound

Kendall Graveman started the game for Oakland on Sunday. Graveman entered the game with a 2-6 record and had really been struggling in last several starts. Graveman pitched well but succumbed to the weather very quickly. Graveman pitched to one batter in the fifth inning but had to come out of the game. He worked 4.0 innings giving up one run (earned) on seven hits while striking out five and walking two batters. Because Graveman did not work five innings it was up to the official scorer to assign the win and Graveman was given a no decision for his 4-plus innings of work.

Fernando Rodriguez came on in the top of the fifth for Graveman and pitched two perfect innings of baseball in relief. For his efforts, Rodriguez was credited with his second win of the season.

John Axford, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson each worked a perfect inning of relief for Oakland on Sunday. Axford and Doolittle were impressive as they were throwing pitches in the high 90’s. For Madson, it was his first work on the mound since his appearance in Houston seven days ago.

John Lamb (1-4, 5.14) took the loss for the Reds even though he only pitched four innings. Cincinnati used four pitchers in their losing effort.

Defense

The key on defense for the Oakland Athletics was the fact they did not commit an error in the game. Not only did they play errorless baseball, the A’s turned three double plays that all killed potential scoring opportunities for the Reds.

The Reds did not commit an error in the game.

Up next

The A’s will have no time to rest and celebrate their victory. Oakland heads back into action on Monday night as they open a four-game home series with the Western Division leading Texas Rangers. The Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won two games in a row.

LHP Sean Manaea (2-4, 6.20) will take the mound for Oakland. The Rangers have yet to officially name their starter although speculation centers on LHP Cesar Ramos who is a long reliever and spot starter.

 

A’s beat M’s 2-1 in 10 innings and sweep the series

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
MLB: Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners
Photo Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The majority of the preseason prognosticators had the Oakland Athletics finishing dead last in the American League West. Evidently, the A’s forgot to read the predictions for their 2016 season.

On Sunday, the Athletics survived seven innings of shutout baseball pitched by “King Felix” Hernandez (0-1, o.69 ERA), had strong pitching performances by their own stater and bullpen, used the long ball to defeat the Seattle Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings and won the series on the road three games to none.

The Athletics won the game via  a solo home run hit by Coco Crisp in the top of the 10th inning off Seattle reliever Nick Vincent. With two outs, Crisp hit a 3-1 pitch 376 feet over the right field wall to give Oakland a 2-1 lead.

Sean Doolittle took the mound for the Athletics in the bottom of the 10th inning and closed out the game for his first save of the season.

The A’s record improves to 4-3 with the win and puts them in sole possession of first-place in the American League West.

The Mariners are struggling to figure out how they squandered such an outstanding pitching performance like the one turned in by “King Felix” on Sunday.

On the mound

Hernandez was a master on the mound. He pitched seven innings giving up just three hits and no runs. The “King” recorded 10 strike outs and issued just two walks. He threw 99 pitches (62 strikes). The Seattle radio broadcasters said the outing was Hernandez at his best especially with the command he showed on his change-up and breaking ball. It is hard to imagine that such a quality outing simply ended in a no decision.

Chris Bassitt made his second start of the season for Oakland. Bassitt worked seven innings giving up three hits and one unearned run. He had four strikeouts but issued base-on-balls to five Seattle batters. Bassitt threw 97 pitches (58 stikes). Bassitt has yet to figure into a decision in his two starts this year.

The A’s used three pitchers out of the bullpen on Sunday. Ryan Madson, John Axford and Sean Doolittle worked one inning each. The three relievers gave up no runs, no hits, no walks and struck out two hitters. Axford was credited with his first win of the year while Doolittle recorded his first save of the season.

Seattle also used three pitchers out of their bullpen. Joel Peralta was charged with a blown save when gave up a home run to Marcus Semien. Steve Cishek worked a scoreless inning. Nick Vincent was tagged with the loss when he gave up the game winning home run off the bat of Coco Crisp.

In the batter’s box

The A’s scattered five hits over the 10 innings versus Seattle. No Oakland player had a multi-hit day. Crisp, Lowrie, Alonso, Phegley and Semien all had one hit each.

Marcus Semien tied the game at 1-1 when he hit his first home run of year in the top of the eighth inning off Peralta. Semien hit a high fly ball over the left field wall on a 3-2 pitch.

The Mariners managed to get just six hits off the four Oakland pitchers. Nelson Cruz had a two-hit game than included his second double of the year. Seattle catcher Leonys Martin also had a two-hit game.

The Athletics went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.

The M’s were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and they left 10 men on base.

MVP

The MVP of the game has to be Felix Hernandez. The “King” was brilliant on the mound and showed why he is one of top pitchers in the major leagues. Plus, he deserves to get something for pitching that well and having his team lose the game.

Honorable Mention

Coco Crisp deserves this honor for hitting his first home run since August 27, 2014. After battling through injuries last season, it was nice to see Crisp carry his team to a big win using his bat.

Up next

The Athletics will be back in action on Monday in Oakland when they open a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.