Tag: Oakland A’s

Playoff premiere atmosphere more conducive to the Yankees in 5-1 win over the A’s

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND — Mathematicians and Major League managers would have reached the same, logical conclusion on Tuesday night: two hits aren’t enough to qualify a team for critical, postseason analysis.

In a tightly contested ballgame between the two American League teams on a collision course to meet October 3 in a win-or-go-home, wild card scenario, the Yankees and A’s had everyone’s attention, but the A’s managed just two hits, and that ended the playoff preview assessment before it could get started.

“We just didn’t do enough offensively tonight,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “No matter what we give up, even if it’s two runs, when you get two hits, it’s going to be a tough time winning.”

Make no mistake: in their 19th game in 19 days, the A’s came to play, and their patchwork approach to pitching to the Yankees was executed brilliantly for six innings. Reliever Liam Hendricks started, and Daniel Mengden followed by allowing just one of the first 14 batters he faced to reach, before a base hit by Gleyber Torres on the last of his 51 pitches. Ryan Buchter picked Torres off first just three pitches into his appearance, and that kept the Bombers quiet for six innings.

Buchter allowed a Brett Gardner base hit leading off the seventh, and that was Melvin’s signal to turn to his top guys, starting with Jeurys Familia. But the former Mets’ closer allowed Giancarlo Stanton a base hit, and then walked Andrew McCutchen to load the bases. Then Aaron Hicks walked to force in a run and tie the game.

Familia escaped further damage by striking out the next two batters before Fernando Rodney induced Neil Walker into a foul pop that ended the inning.

With one front line reliever off his game, the A’s couldn’t afford two, and that’s what they suffered when Rodney elevated a pitch to Luke Voit leading off the eighth. That pitch was quickly deposited in the left field corner pocket for a 2-1 Yankees lead, courtesy of their lineup’s hottest hitter.

Voit’s shot was his seventh homer in 12 games dating back to August 24. The hot hitter quickly transformed into a galvanizing cheerleader greeting his teammates in the dugout.

“The whole Sammy Sosa hop, I don’t… it just happens,” Voit said. “I don’t know, I play with excitement, and like some of you guys say, it just feeds the team, ignites the team and, you know, we end up scoring three more runs. It’s huge and it’s like a playoff game and it’s fun to have emotions for those games.”

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: A’s drop 4.5 games back in wild card; 3.5 back in AL West after loss to Yankees

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @athletics_fanly

On the A’s podcast with Charlie O:

The Oakland A’s are closing in on everybody. They’re 4 1/2 games back of the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card race. The A’s are 3 1/2 games back and wouldn’t they love to win the division? The A’s are certainly getting a good mix of pitching from the starters and relievers.

The A’s will be introducing all their living Hall of Fame inductees: Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, and Helen Hunter (Jim Catfish Hunter’s widow) will be on hand on Wednesday night at the Oakland Coliseum for the tribute.

Charlie O does the A’s podcast each Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Television, Patio Areas and Draft Kings

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: wbur.org

By: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

There is little doubt that big money paid by television is responsible for some of the changes in major league baseball. A few years ago Time Warner (now Charter Spectrum) in Southern California paid the Los Angeles Dodgers $8.35 billion to carry their games for the next 20 years.

There are other big deals in other media markets like in 2012 when the Guggenheim Baseball Management Group bought the Dodgers for $2.15 billion for a record sale for a franchise. MLB Network pays a fortune for the rights to all games every day and night. I think they do a great job for all baseball aficionados who like to follow all the teams, not just their home teams.

I believe many of these moves and the big money by TV is driving the changes on today’s game. Earlier this season, YouTube and MLB announced their partnership in an attempt to offer fans other ways to watch baseball.

Games are also now broadcast live on Facebook. Someday, the bases will be electronic, which would mean no need for umpires, and the bases will respond to a “safe”or “out “call in this format: If the base lights up red, the runner was out; and if it lights up green, that runner is safe. It’s that simple.

Basically, traffic lights would be at each base, and the poles in left and right field will  also be the same, as there will be no umpires. This way, the game will go even faster, as there will be no need for replays. And, of course, the accuracy will be 100 percent. Keep in mind computers do not make mistakes.

I get it, they want to appeal to the younger audience and there is nothing wrong with that, but baseball used to be a game of strategy like chess. Managers’ arguments with umpires were usually fun and isn’t that what we want–fun for all? Today, there is little strategy, as it is all about the sabermetrics, launch angles, home run distances and strike outs. Few players try to hit the ball to the opposite side of the infield, where there is nobody standing with a glove in hand, and everybody wants to hit the ball in the air. It is players hitting .220 with 25 to 40 home runs every year. You can steal 30 bases during a full season and easily lead your league. Rickey Henderson doesn’t like that. You might see a “run and hit” or “hit and run” once every full moon. The bunt is extinct, which is fine with me because they do not even teach it, so why expect the players to execute it?

Today, we also have what they call the “millennial areas” in baseball parks around the country. These areas have the purpose of bringing more fans into the stadiums, as a patio area sets the scene for millennials to socialize, eat, drink and watch the game.

All businesses needs costumers. If your park is half empty, you just do not give tickets for free, just like a restaurant doesn’t give free food to people if it’s empty. MLB is about business first and the game second. It is also hilarious how the MLB has banned Pete Rose from the Hall of Fame due to gambling, yet they advertise Draft Kings, a popular destination for daily fantasy baseball players of all skill levels. They advertise Draft Kings to fans with the idea they can win millions of dollars. So they are encouraging young and old fans alike to bet on baseball and make money. I know the fans are not managing the games like Rose did, but it’s hypocritical to tell folks to make money betting on games, while preventing a man with the most hits, who is the current record holder with 4,256 hits to enter the Hall of Fame, is a mixed message to say the least.

But that is our culture right here. A lot of things are upside down, and like my father used to say, “Common sense is not common anymore.”

So I wonder about people who say they want their privacy, yet they go on different social media outlets and tell everybody what they are doing, where they are, what they did, what they are going to do, what airport they are headed to and so on; but they ask for their privacy. Like the song by the great Ray Charles, “What a Wonderful World.”

Listen to the A’s games in Spanish on KIQI 1010AM/990AM Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton and the Valley. Also, listen on the A’s television network on the SAP line.

A’s down the Yankees 6-3 before a huge Labor Day crowd

Published on by rxsluggerLeave a comment

by Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND– It was a beautiful sun-drenched afternoon at the Oakland Coliseum as the Oakland A’s played host to the New York Yankees. The two teams were playing in front of 40,546 fans, and they treated them to quite an afternoon of baseball. The A’s, the hottest team in baseball since June 16th and owners of the fourth-best record in baseball had to deal with the Yankees who own the second-best record. Yankee slugger Aaron Judge, who had not played since July 26th when he suffered a broken wrist, took his first swings off a tee on Monday and should be back soon. Yankee shortstop, Didi Gregorius, who is also on the DL, may be back in the lineup later this week. These two players make the Yankees, as a team, a lot more dangerous. The Yankees, even without them, are loaded with players that have a lot of power. The A’s were the better team on Labor Day as they beat the Yankees 6-3 and moved to within 3 1/2 games of the lead for the first Wild Card spot in the AL. The A’s remain 2 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West.

Monday’s pitching matchup featured the A’s big righty, Trevor Cahill, going up the even bigger lefty CC Sabathia. Cahill, who had never beaten the Yankees in his career and who pitches much better in Oakland than on the road, gave the A’s five innings of work. He allowed four hits and three runs. One of the runs was unearned. Sabathia who was 11-11 in his career against Oakland did not have it Monday afternoon. Sabathia’s day ended in the fourth inning. His pitching line was 3 and 1/3rd inning, and he allowed seven hits, five runs, four of which were earned. Sabathia took the loss and is now 7-6 for the year.

The Yankees put an unearned run on the board in the top of the first. Andrew McCutchen, who arrived in New York via a trade with the San Francisco Giants led off with a single. McCutchen stole second, and when Jonathan’s Lucroy’s throw sailed into centerfield, McCutchen advanced to third. Cahill retired Giancarlo Stanton on a popup to second baseman Jed Lowrie. McCutchen scored on Aaron Hick’s sacrifice fly. Cahill struck out Miguel Andu]jar to end the inning.  The Yanks lead 1-0 in the middle of the first. The lead didn’t last long as the A’s plated three runs. After Sabathia retired Marcus Semien for the first out, the A’s put together four straight singles and a throwing error by Yankee third baseman Miguel Andujar to end the first with the lead 3-1. Two of the A’s runs were earned, and the other was unearned.

The Yankees tied the game in the top of the second. Yankees’ catcher Gary Sanchez started the inning with a walk. With one out, rookie first baseman Luke Voit blasted his sixth of the year. The A’s undid the tie in their half of the second. Sabathia walked Marcus Semien who was leading off for Oakland. A’s third baseman Matt Chapman doubled to drive in Semien with the A’s fourth run of the game. Chapman was out at third as he tried to stretch the double into a triple.

The A’s tallied their fifth run of the day in the bottom of the fourth.  Semien led off the inning with a double. With one out, Jed Lowrie singled to drive in Semien. For Lowrie, it was his 86th ribbie of the season. The A’s lead 5-3 after four.

The A’s center fielder Mark Canha tacked on another run for Oakland when he blasted a towering fly into the left-field seats for his sixteenth big fly of the year to give the A’s a 3-run cushion  6-3 after five innings of play.

The A’s bullpen of Lou Trivino, Yusmeiro Petit, Ryan Buchter, Jeurys Familia, and Blake Treinen did not allow the Yankees a hit after the fifth inning. It did get a little dicey in the seventh when Gary Sanchez reached first after striking out. Jonathan Lucroy allowed Petit’s pitch to get by him. The ball went to the backstop, and by the time Lucroy fielded the ball, Sanchez was on first safely. Petit then walked Glyber Torres to put men on at first and second with no out. Petit reached back and struck out Voit and pinch-hitter Neil Walker. Brett Gardner flew out to left for the final out of the seventh. Jeurys Familia pitched the eighth inning, and he retired the first two Yankees he faced. It started to go downhill as he suddenly couldn’t find the strike zone. He walked Aaron Hicks and Miguel Andujar to give the Yankees a glimmer of hope. The next hitter was former NL MVP, Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen, who singled in the first, hit a sharp ground ball to Marcus Semien. Semien’s throw to first was on target, and the side was retired. Blake Treinen worked the ninth, and he retired the Yanks in order to earn his 36th save of the season.

Game Notes- The A’s, with the win, improved to 83-56 and are now 3 1/2 games behind the Yanks in the race for the top Wild Card spot. If the playoffs were to begin now, the A’s would have to travel to New York for the one-game playoff. If the A’s finish first, the playoff would be played in Oakland. The A’s remain 2 1/2 games behind the Astros for the best record in the AL West. The A’s and Astros have finished the season’s series.

Trevor Cahill received credit for the win and is now 6-3 for the season. Cahill is 5-0 and has an ERA of 1.09 in nine starts at the Coliseum He beat the Yankees for the first time in his career.

Mark Canha matched a career-high with his 16th homer of the season in the bottom of the fifth inning… Canha leads the American League with 13 home runs vs. lefties.  Matt Chapman recorded his 34th double of the season… leads the Majors with 32 extra-base hits since the AllStar Break. Stephen Piscotty added two hits to extend his hitting streak to six games, he is batting .391 (9-for-23) over that span.  Blake Treinen earned his 36th save of the season, which ranks fourth in the majors and tied for ninth in Oakland history…he now has a 0.91 ERA, which is the lowest among Major League relievers. Khris Davis is 2nd in the Majors with 105 RBI this season (J.D. Martinez, 115)… Davis had a career-best 110 RBI last season.

–The Oakland A’s have acquired right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations, the club announced today.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe for assignment.

Game two of the three-game series will be played Tuesday night at the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s have not announced a starter, and it may be bullpen by committee once again with Liam Hendriks pitching the first inning and Daniel Mengden coming in to pitch in either the second or third innings. Lefty J.A. Happ will go for New York. Game time is at 7:05 pm.

 

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Piscotty’s inspiration on team is part of the reason for record run at postseason

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @retrosimba

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast:

Oakland A’s outfielder Stephen Piscotty’s home run total at 21 is a career-high and is truyly having a remarkable season at the plate. Piscotty was pronounced with 60 extra base hits in 2016 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but his hitting hit a slump in 2017 as Piscotty’s mom was suffering from ALS.

In the offseason, Piscotty worked out a deal moving from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Oakland A’s so he could be closer to his mother in Pleasanton, Calif. Piscotty cared for his mother after each home game, putting her to bed and feeding her.

Piscotty’s care for his mother Gretchen lasted until May at her passing and later Piscotty began to swing the bats with great production. The team was inspired and now the A’s are in the hunt for an AL West title.

Amaury does the A’s Spanish radio play-by-play, serves as vice president of the MLB Hispanic Heritage Museum Hall of Fame, and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

“Some splits are better than others:” A’s maintain distance on Mariners with 5-2 win

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

Photo credit: @Athletics

By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND — It’s worth noting–now 21 Stephen Piscotty home runs into his Athletics career–that the talented outfielder on the verge of a career-best season fell into the A’s lap in the off-season.

The 25-year old Piscotty established himself as a big league standout in 2016 by smashing 60 extra-base hits for the Cardinals. But he slumped horribly in 2017, as the St. Louis brass noticed that Gretchen Piscotty’s rapidly failing health was affecting her son, Stephen, on and off the field.

In the off-season, as a favor to Piscotty, the Cardinals agreed to trade the outfielder to Oakland, as a way for the son to care for his mom, based in Pleasanton. And for the first month plus of the season, Piscotty drove his mom home after games and took on the arduous task of putting her to bed on a nightly basis.

That routine so poignantly captured by ESPN’s E:60 ended when Gretchen lost her battle with ALS in May.

Soon thereafter, Piscotty–with the weight of having to see his mother suffer on daily basis lifted–took off. And so did the A’s.

Fast forward to Sunday, and the A’s leaned heavily on Piscotty on the occasion of the final home game of 2018 against the rival Mariners. Needing a split to maintain a five-game lead over wild card hopeful Seattle, Piscotty came up with two home runs to power the A’s to a 8-2 win.

Edwin Jackson more than did his part–pitching six innings–allowing three hits and a run to Seattle, playing arguably their most important regular season game in more than a decade in attempting to end their postseason drought that dates to 2001.

We’ve been taxing that bullpen a lot,” Piscotty said of Jackson. “To have him go out and have a strong outing, and let our offense kind of wake up and take the pressure of him, that’s a great game, exactly what we needed.”

A close game hinged on Felix Hernandez, the unquestioned A’s killer, getting through the sixth inning, and preserving a 1-1 tie, after allowing a leadoff single to Chad Pinder.

But the King doesn’t go unchallenged these days, having lost 12 games, and was briefly demoted from the starting rotation. But if anyone has earned the right to pitch in a big spot for the Mariners, it’s Felix, and manager Scott Servais elected to stick with his starter.

That strategy backfired immediately as Hernandez uncorked a wild pitch, then walked pinch hitter Matt Joyce, threw a second wild pitch, and allowed the go-ahead base hit to Marcus Semien.

That sequence opened the flood gates as the A’s would score three more times in the inning, then get a three-run shot from Piscotty in the eighth.

Piscotty’s homer was his 21st–he also homered in the fifth–just one off his career high established in 2016. Afterwards, Melvin referenced the slugger’s ascendance, which of course, dates back to May.

“I’ve said many times that he has an angel on his shoulders,” Melvin said.

GAME NOTES: The A’s have three games (days) remaining in their grueling stretch of 20 games without a day off. Melvin said he’s well aware of how the schedule eases after Wednesday saying that the time off his far more critical for his everyday starters as opposed to his underrated rotation guys or stacked bullpen.

Blake Treinen earned his 35th save, getting the last four outs of the ballgame, including ending the eighth on one pitch. Treinen dropped his ERA ever so slightly to 0.92, the continuation of his season rivaled only by Dennis Eckersley’s 1990 campaign in which he earned the American League MVP.

Hernandez failed to win in a seventh, consecutive appearance, a career-worst drought that dates back to June 30.

UP NEXT: The A’s host the Yankees for a three-game series starting Monday afternoon at 1:05 pm PDT on ESPN, NSCA and YES.

MLB The Show podcast with Daniel Dullum: Discussions on this week’s trades; A’s make final push for postseason; Umpire catches pitcher cheating; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @nypost

On the MLB The Show podcast with Daniel:

1 Highlights of the postseason-eligible trade deadline: Andrew McCutchen to Yankees, Josh Donaldson to Cleveland, Gio Gonzalez to Brewers, and more.

2 A’s make final roster moves for playoff push on August 31.

3 Umpire confiscates cheat sheet from Phillies pitcher.

4 Padres forced to cancel beach hat giveaway due to beetle infestation.

Daniel Dullum does the MLB The Show podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com also Daniel is a Stanford Cardinal football beat writer

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Khris “Krush” Davis joins Jimmie Foxx in three straight years of hitting 40 home runs or more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo from athleticsnation.com file: Oakland A’s slugger Khris Davis (2) joins former A’s slugger Jimmie Foxx for hitting at least 40 or more home runs per season for three consecutive years

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND — On Saturday September 1, 2018, Oakland Athletics’ designated hitter Khris Davis hit his 40th home run at the Oakland Coliseum against Seattle reliever Alex Colomé. Davis joined Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx (1932-34) of the Philadelphia Athletics as the only two players in three consecutive years to have 40 home run seasons in the A’s franchise. Khris Davis came to the A’s in 2016–that season he ended with 42 home runs and 102 runs batted in, 2017–43 home runs and 110 runs batted in, and as of the conclusion of Sept. 1–40 home runs and 105 runs batted in. Originally a left fielder, he is the A’s everyday DH. A quiet player that goes on with his business. Davis is a 30-year-old, Lakewood, Calif. native. His mother was born in Guadalajara, México. He has played on a “year to year” contract since he arrived with the A’s, making $10.5 million this season.

Here is the all-time list of players who have accomplished this feat: Babe Ruth, NYY 1926-32, Alex Rodriguez, 1998-2003, Sammy Sosa (1998-2003), Ken Griffey Jr. (1996-2000), Ralph Kiner (1947-1951), Ryan Howard (2006-09), Albert Pujols (2003-06), Jim Thome (2001-04), Mark McGwire (1996-99), Ernie Banks (1957-1960), Duke Snider (1953-56), David Ortiz (2004-06), Barry Bonds (2000-02), Vinny Castilla (1996-98), Andres Galarraga (1996-98), Juan Gonzalez (1996-98), Jay Buhner (1995-97), Frank Howard (1968-1970), Ted Kluszewski (1953-55), Eddie Mathews (1953-55), and of course, Jimmie Foxx (1932-34).

Listen to the A’s games on KIQI 1010AM/990AM in San Francisco, Oakland, San José, Sacramento, Stockton and the Valley. Also, on the SAP line on A’s television.

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.

Mariners embarrass the A’s in a 7-1 laugher

Published on by rxsluggerLeave a comment

Photo credit: @Mariners

By Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND — A’s starter Frankie Montas took one for his team Thursday night as he was roughed up for five runs in the first inning. A’s manager Bob Melvin decided to leave Montas in the game. Montas responded by allowing just two more runs and four hits in his next five innings of work. His line for the night was six innings of work, and he allowed seven runs and eight hits.

The Mariners trounced the A’s 7-1. Reliever J.B. Wendelken, who was recalled from Nashville, pitched three scoreless innings and gave up just one hit for a very impressive performance. M’s starter Wade LeBlanc dominated the A’s for seven innings. The A’s never mounted a threat as LeBlanc scattered three hits over his seven innings of work.

Frankie Montas, who made his first start since being recalled from Nashville, did not do well in the very first inning against the M’s. The M’s put five runs on the board, two of them were unearned, as Montas had control problems. The Mariners had four hits in the inning and were helped out by a Matt Chapman throwing error. Montas didn’t help his cause as he walked right fielder Ben Gamel with the bases loaded to force in a run. Montas threw 38 pitches in the inning.

Montas settled down a bit in the top of the second. Nevertheless, the M’s tacked on their sixth run of the game in that frame. Left fielder Denard Span started the inning with a leadoff triple. M’s second baseman singled to drive in Span. Montas retired Nelson Cruz for the first out and got Kyle Seager to hit into an inning-ending double play.

Montas retired the M’s in order in the third inning. Melvin was hoping the A’s offense will get going and that Montas can give him at least five innings of work, but that wasn’t the case. In the top of the fourth, with one out, Mitch Haniger blasted his 23 home run of the year to give the M’s a 7-0 lead.

The A’s finally put one on the scoreboard in the bottom of the eighth. With one out, Marcus Semien walked. He went to second on a wild pitch and scored on Jed Lowrie’s single. The A’s trailed 7-1 after eight.

The A’s went down in order in the ninth, and the M’s took the first game of the four-game series 7-1.

Game Notes: With the loss, the A’s fall to 80-55. The M’s improved to 75-59 and now trail the A’s by 4 1/2 games for the second Wild Card spot. The A’s remain 2 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros as the Astros lost to the LA Angels Thursday night.

Time of game was two hours and 40 minutes and a very small crowd of 10,844 watched as the A’s were subdued by Seattle.

Up Next: Game two of the four-game series will feature the A’s Mike Fiers (10-6, 3.15 ERA) vs. the M’s Mike Leake (8-8, 4.03 ERA). Game time will be at 7:05 pm PDT Friday night.