The Athletics were given a quality start by Alex Wood. Their offense scored early and had a 4-3 lead through six innings. Unfortunately, the bullpen blew things in the seventh inning and it took 11 innings for this game to be decided. In the end, the A’s lost 5-4 and now have a record of 1-5.
After a horrible defensive performance as a team yesterday, they cleaned up their act today. Oakland committed no errors, which was a great sight to see. The aforementioned Wood went five innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven batters. It was a great start, a bounce back after his performance on Opening Day.
Offensively, JJ Bleday and Shea Langeliers both hit two-run home runs to provide the only runs for the A’s. Even Brent Rooker got things (sort of) back on track with two hits of his own.
Unfortunately, the Red Sox offense prevailed and came back to steal the game in extra innings.
Oakland did have a chance to win the game in the bottom of the tenth inning. Ryan Noda was the ghost runner, and Zach Gelof was able to get him to third on a bunt. Then, JJ Bleday was intentionally walked. Unfortunately, the next batter JD Davis grounded to the pitcher, who immediately looked to third base and caught Noda in a rundown to get him out. Seth Brown would strike out swinging on four pitches, and Boston would score in the 11th and not relinquish it.
Statistics of the Game
- Winning Pitcher: Josh Winckowski (1-0) 2 IP, 3 K
- Losing Pitcher: Mitch Spence (0-1) 1 H, 1 R
- (OAK) Lucas Erceg: Blown hold
- (BOS) Trevor Story: 3-5, 2 RBI
- Oakland was 1-15 with runners in scoring position
- Attendance: 5,112
Play of the Game
Bleday blast ? pic.twitter.com/WHHlkuTzfO
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 3, 2024
Up Next
The Athletics will send Ross Stripling (0-1, 7.20 ERA) for the series finale, while Boston will send Nick Pivetta to the mound (0-1, 1.50 ERA).
This will be the team’s last home game before heading out for a six-game road trip.
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