Tag: Oakland A’s

A’s Lose Series To Atlanta 3-1 Generating Little Offense

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Oakland A’s starter Luis Media pitches to the Atlanta Braves line up in the bottom of the first inning at Truist Park in Cobb County on Sun Jun 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (24-37) only managed two hits in the third game of their series with the Atlanta Braves (33-24). Two hits will not get you very far against a tough opponent. Oakland did tie up the game in the seventh inning when Zach Gelof hit a home run but no offense was generated by the A’s after the long ball losing the game 3-1.

Game recap: The Braves took the early lead in the first inning when the ever dependable Matt Olson singled Marcell Ozuna home for a 1-0 tally. After the opening inning there was not a lot of offense for either team. Through six innings the Braves had only two hits and the A’s had a single hit.

Luis Medina went 5.2 innings allowing the two hits, 1 run, 2 walks with 6 strikeouts. He had a nice outing and was relieved by Brady Basso to close the fifth inning facing the final at bat for Atlanta, a tough one in lefty Matt Olson. Basso got the job done as Olson grounded out.

Atlanta pitcher Charlie Morton was pulled after six innings starting to struggle with too many balls and too many walks. He had walked five A’s and he was relieved by Dylan Lee in the seventh inning.

This was still anybody’s game and even more so in the seventh inning when the A’s had their first home run of the game off the bat of Zach Gelof and this game was tied 1-1. Conditions got a lot better when the rain had come to a halt and the ball park was soaked in sunshine to start the seventh inning.

The go-ahead run came when a pop- up ball in the seventh inning ended up landing on the line and Gelof was unable to catch it for the out. There was some confusion as to who would catch that pop-up and even if that ball was going to end up as a fair ball.

The hit landed on the line and enabled Marcell Ozuna to score breaking the tie and the Braves took a 2-1 lead. Atlanta did have the bases loaded but Austin Adams, who had relieved Brady Basso, got out of the inning minimizing the damage to just the one run.

Oakland was unable to tie up this game in the eighth, in fact, it was the Braves that got the insurance run they were looking for. They took a 3-1 lead when Ozzie Albies singled to right and J.P. Martinez scored. With two outs, Atlanta had the bases loaded threatening to add to their lead. Oakland relief pitcher Dany Jimenez got out of the inning and the A’s had one last inning to make some noise.

The A’s went quietly in the ninth inning with a Zach Gelof line out, a Kyle McCann ground out. and a Max Schuemann fly-out. The Braves had won the game 3-1 and the series.

Game recap: Sunday afternoon the A’s finished up their series with the Braves at a rainy Atruist Park as the Braves took the series. After a real slugfest Saturday that saw Oakland come out on top 11-9, the A’s were looking to win the series against the very tough Braves but just couldn’t finish the job and score as many runs like they did on Saturday. Medina pitched well enough giving up just giving up two hits for Oakland. The Braves Morton gave up only one hit for the win.

The A’s will now head back home with a day off on Monday before taking on Seattle Tuesday in a three-game series. Joey Estes will be on the hill for Oakland with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 6.10 ERA. The Mariners will send George Kirby to start with a 4-5 win/loss record and a 4.08 ERA first pitch 6:45pm PT.

A’s Bats Catch Fire Beating Braves 11-9

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By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s Miguel Andujar slugs a top of the first inning single against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Field in Cobb County on Sat Jun 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

The Oakland A’s (23-36) scored early and often in game two of their series with the Atlanta Braves (32-23). They led for much of the game winning the game 11-9. Max Schuemann and Miguel Andujar had four hits apiece in the game. They led by as much as 8-3. The Braves fought back scoring six runs in the fifth inning but the A’s held on for the win on Saturday.

Game recap: The A’s took the importance of scoring first to heart taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Daz Cameron doubled to left driving Shea Langeliers and Miguel Andujar home. It was a great way for the team to start a baseball game. Atlanta show some muscle of their own tying up the game 2-2 in the opening inning. Marcell Ozuna hit a home run with Austin Riley onboard and this game was tied.

The A’s took back the lead in the second inning scoring four runs and the Oakland bats were on fire. Max Schuemann got the inning started with a single that brought Zach Gelof home for a 3-2 lead. The home runs that were missing in Fridays game showed up in this one. Miguel Andujar hit a homer straight down center a three-run shot with Aledmys Diaz and Abraham Toro on base taking a 6-2 lead. The A’s were already having some quality at bats after only two innings.

Atlanta tacked on another run in the third inning but still trailing 6-3. Oakland struck again in the fourth inning with their second home run of the game off the bat of Brent Rooker with Max Schuemann on base and the A’s had extended their lead to 8-3. There was nothing that the A’s offense could do wrong so far in this game.

Atlanta had a huge fifth inning scoring six runs taking a 9-8 lead. The Braves Austin Riley singled Orlando Arcia home and Michael Harris II also scored on an Abraham Toro error. Marcell Ozuna singled Austin Riley home, Matt Olsen hit a two run homer and Adam Duvall singled Travis D’Arnaud home for the sixth run in the inning for an Atlanta lead their first in the game.

The A’s had some work to do trailing for the first time in the game. In the sixth inning Brent Rooker doubled, his second hit of the game, driving Miguel Andujar and Max Schuemann home taking back the lead 10-9.

This was an explosive offensive display by both teams. There were also some additional explosive moments in the sixth inning when manager Mark Kotsay was ejected from the game. Oakland would have to manage without their skipper for the remainder of the game. This ejection could have very well pushed the team onto this victory. They certainly did Mark Kotsay proud.

The A’s would be looking for some insurance runs in the latter innings of this game. In the eighth inning, Oakland got that insurance run when once again Miguel Andujar singled Max Schuemann home, now leading 11-9. Max Schuemann was 4 for 4 in the game, in fact, eight A’s had at least one hit in the game. In this back and forth game, besides Schuemann, Miguel Andujar also had four hits as both of these guys continue to shine bright.

It all came down to the ninth inning. Could Oakland hang onto the lead and come away with the victory? Closing A’s pitcher Dany Jimenez struck out the third at bat Adam Duvall and that was the ball game 11-9. The A’s finished this game with 16 hits in an amazing offensive effort.

Starting pitcher for Oakland Aaron Brooke finished 4.1 innings allowing seven hits, and seven runs. Atlanta starter Chris Sale also went four innings allowing nine hits, eight runs and strikeouts. The offensive effort from both teams were eating up both pitchers.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon game two between the A’s and the Braves got underway. Aaron Brooks started for the A’s although he gave up seven runs he did get help from the line up and the relievers preserved. Chris Sale was on the hill for the Braves pitched just four innings and the A’s drilled him for most their runs with eight.

The key of this game for the A’s was the offense and they were hitting the ball on the button on Saturday. The A’s scored twice in the first and four times in the second inning which gave the A’s a great chance winning in game two. The Braves have a deep offense as well as a solid defense. The win over Atlanta was very impressive indeed.

The rubber game of this series is scheduled for Sunday with first pitch at 10:35am PT. The A’s will start RHP Luis Medina (0-0, ERA 0.00) for the RHP Braves Charlie Morton (3-2, ERA 4.29) first pitch 10:35am PT.

Top of the 6th ejection of coach

8 for 16 with runners in scoring position

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

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Oakland A’s pitcher JP Sears delivers against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the first inning at Truist Park in Cobb County on Fri May 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Atlanta Braves (32-23) pitcher Reynaldo Lopez proved to be too hot to handle for the Oakland A’s (23-36) on Friday night at Truist Park in Cobb County. He struck out eight A’s which was his season high. The Oakland A’s had six hits in the game but once again failed to score until the fourth inning. The Braves scored in both the first and second innings as Oakland found themselves behind the eight ball, a place they have been in for much of the season.

Game recap: The Braves wasted no time taking control of this game from the start scoring in both the first and the second innings. Matt Olson sacrificed and Austin Riley scored for the first run of the game for Atlanta. The Braves went on to score twice in the second inning. Jarred Kelenic doubled Sean Murphy and Michael Harris II home for an early 3-0 lead.

Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning 3-1 when Zach Gelof sacrificed Miguel Andujar home. The Braves had scored a single run in the sixth inning when Orlando Arcia sacrificed Matt Olsen home for their fourth run of the game.

Oakland had JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker on base in the eighth inning leaving them both standed. The A’s would not score again until the ninth inning. Zach Gelof crossed home plate for Oakland’s final run the score 4-2 in the ninth inning in favor of the Braves.

JP Sears went seven innings allowing six hits, four earned runs, two walks with five strikeouts. He was relieved by Brady Basso who pitched a single inning allowing no hits, no runs with one strikeout.

Game notes: The A’s rolled into Atlanta after a most frustrating series with the Tampa Bay Rays. The A’s had won the first game of the Rays series and dropped a couple of one run games one of which went 12 innings. The Braves have been playing solid ball sitting in second place behind the Phillies in the National League East. This game was a real challenge for Oakland.

JP Sears took the mound for Oakland and struggled in the first two innings giving up a run in the first inning and two runs in the second inning. Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez pitched six innings gave up four hits and one earned run and struck out eight batters .

The A’s have this weekend to try and come away with some success in this series. On the mound for Oakland will be Aaron Brooks with a 0-2, 3.63 ERA. The Braves will feature Chris Sale on the hill with an 8-1 win/loss record and a 2.12 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s need to start moving runners in scoring position are now 2-17

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Oakland A’s Shea Langeliers is congratulated by Miguel Andujar at the plate after hitting a top third inning two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Thu May 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Tampa Bay Rays Jose Siri tied it with a ninth inning with a home run Richie Palacios got an RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Rays won it on a one run game 6-5 on Thursday.

#2 The loss was the A’s third in their last four games. Reliever Mason Miller made an appearance but was charged with his first blown save in 12 relief outings, pitching two plus innings, giving up one hit and one earned run, three walks and four strikeouts.

#3 A’s manager Mark Kotsay said with Miller on the mound he’s very confident he can get the job done. Ultimately Miller was going to run into a game like this.

#4 The A’s are not getting any scoring with running in scoring position going 2-17. If the A’s were to capitalize with runners in scoring position they might have scratched a few of those losses.

#5 The A’s continue this road trip to Cobb County to take on the Braves at Truist Park starting Friday night. The Braves are a tough customer having won five of their last ten games. The Braves are second place in the NL East behind the Philadelphia Phillies by six games. Starting pitcher for the A’s JP Sears (4-3, ERA 3.88) for the Atlanta Braves Reynaldo Perez (2-2, ERA 1.75) with a first pitch at 4:10pm PT. Jeremiah break it down how do you see this series coming up.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Oakland A’s podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s brass with very little communications on relocation moves

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Las Vegas Convention And Authority president Steven Hill says the Oakland A’s brass has been communicating less then the Raiders did because when the Raiders came to Vegas it was something new. (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Oakland A’s brass has had very little communications with it front office personnel as to how the move to Sacramento will all take place. Who will not be going to Sacramento and who will be going. A’s employees have not been informed and have no clue what owner John Fisher and team president David Kaval have planned for 2025?

#2 The same can be said for the Las Vegas Convention And Authority president Steven Hill who assured the Las Vegas Review Journal that the A’s are coming and the A’s can finance the stadium. But that drum beat has been going on since the MLB owners approved by a majority vote to move the A’s to Las Vegas but still no explanation on how Fisher plans to come up with his share of the construction costs to the tune of $500 million.

#3 Hill said that there wasn’t as many meetings between the LVCVA and the A’s like there were with the Las Vegas Raiders because this was all new during the Raiders move to Allegiant Stadium. It still doesn’t add up why the A’s won’t communicate and if they do very little. Knowing how the A’s have operated in the past on the following season’s communications they will let you know usually after Christmas.

#4 The local paper Review Journal is having a hard time getting any kind of quote from Fisher or Kaval regarding the ballpark construction payments. The sentiment because the Review Journal has been all in in support for the A’s move to Vegas but the Journal is having a tough time just getting a quote from the A’s.

#5 Daniel a septic tank was found at the entrance of the demoed part of the building at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Where a cherry picker partially tipped over into the underground septic tank. A fine way to get the demo started?

Join Daniel Dullum for the A’s relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

#4

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024The Final Season at the Oakland Coliseum -(Part II)

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The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) and New York Yankees pitcher Jim Catfish Hunter in 1975 at the Oakland Coliseum (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024

The Final Season at the Oakland Coliseum -(Part II)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

One of the many great moments in the history of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum happened in 1975 when ex-A’s Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter visited the Coliseum, this time wearing his New York Yankee uniform.

A year before this visit, he traded his bright yellow A’s uniform for Yankee pinstripes after a dispute over a technicality in his contract with A’s owner Charles O. Finley. His last year with the Oakland A’s (1974), Hunter ended with a record of 25-12 and a 2.49 earned run average, starting 41 games and winning the American League Cy Young Award.

Then Hunter signed a five-year contract estimated at $3.75 million, ending American sports history’s most celebrated bidding war. The total value of the pact sets a record for baseball. January 1, 1975. At the end of that 1975 season, Jim “Catfish” Hunter had a record of 23-14 with a 2.58 earned run average in 30 starts. Jim “Catfish” Hunter owns the All-Time pitching record in wins at the Oakland Coliseum (including with A’s and visiting team) a total of 80 games won at the Coliseum.

In 1987 and with the Oakland A’s uniform, Jim “Catfish”Hunter was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Jim “Catfish”Hunter pitched from 1965 to 1979 (15 years) with Kansas City and Oakland A’s then with the New York Yankees.

Hunter’s Record: 224-166, 3.26 earned run average, 181 complete games over 3,449 1/3 innings pitched. PERFECTO: On May 8, 1968, Jim “Catfish” Hunter of the Oakland Athletics pitched the ninth perfect game in Major League Baseball history, defeating the Minnesota Twins …

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Lose In 12th Inning to Tampa Bay 6-5 In Another Walk-Off; Oakland’s 3rd loss in last 4 games

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Oakland A’s second baseman Zack Gelof put the tag out on the Tampa Bay Rays Randy Arozarena on a pick off move in the bottom of the fifth inning at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Thu May 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (23-35) suffered their second walk-off loss in a row 6-5 against the Tampa Bay Rays (28-29) Thursday in game three of their series. Oakland had multiple opportunities to save this game, the most glaring a bases loaded situation in the tenth inning with no outs. Mason Miller suffered his first blown save of the season.

Game recap: The Rays got a quick start scoring three runs in the opening innings. It was a rough start for Hogan Harris giving up two home runs. Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes hit a two-run homer in the first inning for a 2-0 Rays lead. Tampa Bay would hit a second home run, a solo shot, in the second inning and Jose SIri had given the Rays a 3-0 lead.

Oakland went into the third inning with some work to do. Brent Rooker got the inning started with a double and Abraham Toro scored on an error for their first run of the game. Miguel Andujar singled continuing on a great run bringing Brent Rooker home and the A’s now trailed by a single run.3-2. Oakland was not finished; they would take the lead after trailing 3-0. Shea Langeliers homered for a two-run shot and Oakland had taken a 4-3 lead.

Oakland hung onto the slim lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning. Mason Miller came onboard in the ninth inning looking to close this one out. Miller faced Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario striking both of them out.

This guy has been brilliant all season finishing off games in high style crushing teams. They say all good things must end and Miller suffered his first hiccup of the season. Jose Siri connected for his second home run of the game tying this one up 4-4. Miller went on to strike the side out and this game went into extra innings.

The A’s took the lead back in the tenth inning. Abraham Toro singled in the tenth driving Max Schuemann home for a 5-4 lead. Toro leads the league with the most multi-hit games this month with 14 really coming through for Oakland in the month of May.

The A’s had a great opportunity to score more runs with the bases loaded and no outs but Andjuar grounded into a double play and Langeliers struck out. The failure to score more runs in this inning would come back to haunt Oakland.

The Rays tied this game back up in the tenth inning 5-5 and it was on to the eleventh inning in this marathon. A Randy Arozarena sacrifice fly brought Jose Caballero home leveling this game. Neither team scored in the eleventh inning.

Tampa Bay closed this game out in the 12th inning winning the game 6-5. Palacios singled Caballero home and the Rays had their second walk-off win in a row having won their first yesterday 4-3.

Game notes: Thursday the A’s and the Rays met in the rubber match of their three game series. The A’s made it contest but just couldn’t score in extra innings. Hogan Harris who started this game for Oakland went 5.2 innings allowing 4 hits, one run, 3 walks and 7 strikeouts. Tampa Bay starter Shawn Armstrong went two innings, two hits and one strikeout.

Reliever Mason Miller pitched two innings the ninth and 10th before being relieved by Tyler Ferguson in the 11th inning. This was Miller’s first blown save of the season. He went two innings allowing one hit, one run with four strikeouts.

There will not be a lot of time to reflect on these two tough losses. The team is on their way to Atlanta for a three game series with the Braves. JP Sears will take the mound for Oakland with a 4-3 Win/Loss record and a 3.88 ERA. Reynaldo Lopez will be on the hill for the Braves with a 2-2 win/loss record and a 1.75 ERA. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 4:20 PM.

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

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The Tampa Bay Rays Brandon Lowe slides in safely ahead of the ball as the Oakland A’s third baseman Abraham Toro anticipates the throw in the bottom of the fourth at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay on Wed May 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (23-34) scored first in game two of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays (27-29) but they were unable to hang onto the lead falling behind in the seventh inning 3-2. They did tie up the game in the eighth inning 3-3 but Tampa Bay prevailed winning in a walk-off 4-3. The rubber match of this series will be played early Thursday afternoon as the A’s will be looking to win the series.

Game recap: Oakland’s Joey Estes had a great outing going five innings and allowing two hits, one run with five strikeouts. Tyler Ferguson relieved Estes briefly but was pulled in the sixth inning having allowed three hits and one run. Alexander took over for Ferguson in the sixth inning.

In the sixth inning, Andujar hit an infield single driving Abraham Toro home taking back the lead 2-1. The Oakland lead was short-lived however when Brandon Lowe scored off a Jonathan Aranda single to tie up the game once against 2-2.

The Rays took their first lead of the game in the seventh inning. Isaac Paredes doubled and Palacios scored for a 3-2 lead. Oakland kept the damage to a minimum throwing Yandy Diaz out at home for the third out.

Oakland refused to let down scoring in the eighth inning to tie up the game. JJ Bleday singled but was thrown out trying to reach second. Max Schuemann was able to score to level this game 3-3.

With no outs in the third inning and a runner on third Tampa Bay was in a great place to walk this game off. Jose Siri singled Amed Rosario home and that was the ball game 4-3. It was a tough game for Oakland losing in a very competitive game.

Post game notes: As in Tuesday’s game, the A’s scored first in this game. They took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when the red hot Miguel Andujar hit a sacrifice fly and JJ Bleday scored for the early lead. The Rays answered right back in the same inning tying up the game 1-1. Brandon Lowe scorched a triple to left and Isaac Paredes scored for the tie game.

The two teams meet in the rubber match of this series Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 AM. The A’s have not announced a starter and the Rays are starting RHP Shawn Armstrong (1-1, ERA 3.91) .

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: No Major League team for Oakland on the horizon

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The city of Oakland and the Oakland Coliseum will not be seeing MLB baseball expansion anytime soon (NBC Bay Area photo)

No Major League team for Oakland on the horizon

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Below are considered the cities vying for an expansion team in Major League Baseball—Total city and area population.

Montreal: 4.38 million. Charlotte: 2.76 million. San Antonio: 2.66 million. Portland: 2.51 million. Sacramento: 2.42 million (A’s are expected to play from 2025 to 2027-maybe 2028) Nashville: 2.05 million. Salt Lake City: 1.27 million Conspicuously, and for obvious reasons, Oakland is not on this list, and it might not be for many years to come.

A case can be made that another Bay Area city (the one with the largest population), San José, could even have a better shot than Oakland for an expansion, with the most significant obstacle being the San Francisco Giants, who own the San José territory which ironically was given to the Giants for free by A’s owner Walter Haas in 1990, as a way to keep the Giants in the Bay Area and not relocate to Florida.

The Media Markets for these cities are below. None come close to Oakland, which is designated as the number six market area in the United States and, according to Nielsen, as of 2004, is part of the Bay Area together with San Francisco and San Jose; at the time, Santa Clara County (including San José) was considered neutral territory by the two teams.

Today, San José has the largest population in the Bay Area, with over 1 million, including the world-famous Silicon Valley, where the average salary of a worker is $190,000 annually.

Nielsen Media Rankings (2024) Sacramento (20th in U.S.) Charlotte (21st in U.S.) Portland (23rd in U.S.) Nashville (26th in U.S.) Salt Lake City (27th in U.S.) San Antonio (31st in U.S.) Las Vegas (40th in U.S.) —

This is where the A’s have decided as their final destination. Major League Baseball expansion is coming—it’s just a matter of when and where. While the timeline for MLB’s expansion to 32 teams remains. Commissioner Rob Manfred said he hopes to have a process “in place” before he retires in 2029.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

By Barbara Mason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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