A’s Paul Blackburn puts on another outstanding performance, going six innings and not allowing a single run. Oakland’s bullpen finished the job, and the offense plated four runs on their way to the team’s second victory of the season.
Brent Rooker got things started with a two-run home run in the first inning. They would score again in the sixth inning, with Seth Brown‘s single to bring Zach Gelof home for the third run.
Rooker increased the lead in the top of the eight, singling home Gelof (who was walked three times in this game) and taking a 4-0 lead they would never relinquish.
Back to Blackburn. After a great performance in his first start of the year, he came out firing again against the Tigers. He only allowed three hits while striking out four batters.
Reliever Austin Adams came in for the seventh inning, striking out two batters and not allowing anything at all.
Then, closer Mason Miller came in for the final two innings and struck out three batters. Though it took 35 pitches, the job got done and the A’s ended their four-game losing streak.
Statistics of the Game
- W: Paul Blackburn (1-0)
- L: Kenta Maeda (0-1)
- (OAK) Zach Gelof: 0-1, 3 BB, 3 R
- (OAK) Brent Rooker: 2-4, 3 RBI
- (OAK) Seth Brown: 1-4, 1 RBI
- Seven of the nine Tigers with a plate appearance struck out at least once
Play of the Game
Back-to-back days with a big fly for Brent ? pic.twitter.com/4HbMcddNFt
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 6, 2024
Up Next
The A’s will send Joe Boyle (0-1, 23.63 ERA for the final game of the series. As for Detroit, they will roll with Jack Flaherty (0-0, 1.50 ERA).
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Featured Image: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
