It just keeps getting worse and worse, doesn’t it? Many of us thought it was a joke when the Oakland Athletics decided to send Esteury Ruiz to Triple-A to make room for utility man Tyler Nevin. It was not. But, the day would get worse for the A’s.
Remember how they got shut out 8-0 to start the season? Well, in the first game of this series against the Boston Red Sox, they suffered the same fate. Again.
Final. pic.twitter.com/v2MRPAHS0h
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 2, 2024
This is going to be a long year. Wait, hold on (Boss, I can’t find any positives from this game. Try? Shoot, there’s no harm in doing so. But, don’t expect much). Alright, where were we? Oh, right. Let’s see how this whole debacle went down, and if there were any positives.
*checks box score* FIVE ERRORS IN THREE INNINGS?
No, you read that correctly. Not the whole game. But, in three innings, the Athletics committed five errors. You get paid to play defense, not mess up.
"They're going to have to get better."
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 2, 2024
Mark Kotsay addresses the A's historically bad start on defense this season ⬇ pic.twitter.com/6lMCoNMuyd
Look, I love Kotsay. I genuinely feel bad for him, having to manage this sorry team.
What else is he supposed to say? This team has committed 11 errors and it’s only been five games.
Joe Boyle took the mound of Oakland and was outright terrible. So much for optimism after he played well towards the end of 2023. He only lasted 2 2/3 innings before being pulled out (even I last longer, man). He was charged with 7 ER (8 total), and committed a throwing error of his own after trying to pick off a runner.
Once again, props to Kyle Muller. He came in, pitched five innings in relief, and allowed just 1 ER while striking out six. That’s a starter, not a bullpen guy Oakland.
Offense Fell Asleep. Again.
6,618 fans came to see this game. More than the last two games, which is impressive from an A’s perspective. The stadium was louder, and you would think the offense would give them a show. Wrong.
Oakland only mustered four hits against Tanner Houck and Chase Anderson of the Red Sox. The former was spectacular, going six innings while striking out 10 and walking none. As for the latter, he went three innings to get the save (which, honestly is so stupid. The team was already winning by nine runs, how is that a save???).
So, hey David Forst? Suggestion. Send Lawrence Butler down. Trade Brent Rooker (0-3, again). Bring Ruiz back up, and never send him down again. The first two guys I mentioned? They cannot hit to save their life right now. Enough.
Also, I’m sorry but the Seth Brown regime in Oakland needs to end. He’s batting .077, and it’s like we’re already rebuilding. Just play the young guys, for Pete’s sake.
Statistics of the Game
- Winning Pitcher: Tanner Houck (1-0)
- Losing Pitcher: Joe Boyle (0-1)
- Save (1): Chase Anderson
- RISP: Red Sox 5-13, Athletics 0-5
- (BOS) Jarren Duren (look, another California kid): 3-5, 2 R, 1 RBI
Play of the Game
Wide open spaces ? pic.twitter.com/SOjPS411Kh
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 2, 2024
Up Next (sadly)
Well, things can’t get any worse, right?
Oakland will send Alex Wood (0-1, 16.20 ERA) for his second start of the season. After a rough Opening Day start, he looks to get things back on track.
Boston will send Brayan Bello (1-0, 3.60 ERA) to face this putrid Oakland offense. It should be an easy night unless the Oakland Athletics wake up and get to scoring.
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Featured Image: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
