On a rainy Saturday afternoon, the Oakland A’s could only muster one run across the plate despite eight hits from their offense. Starter Joe Boyle (L, 1-2) pitched five innings and allowed just one run against the Nationals. But, failures to bring runs across the plate plus just enough offense from the Nationals led to the A’s demise.
A triple by C.J. Abrams got the scoring started for Washington in the third inning, bringing Jacob Young home for a 1-0 lead. Another run for the Nationals came in the sixth, thanks to Luis Garcia Jr.’s double to center that brought home Jesse Winker.
As for Oakland, they could not get anything going against Washington’s starter MacKenzie Gore (W, 2-0). The young pitcher went five innings, striking out 11 A’s batters and allowing just four hits and zero runs. He lowered his ERA to 2.81, showing his impressive start to the season.
The A’s finally got on the board in the seventh inning, with Abraham Toro‘s double that brought Nick Allen across the plate. Zach Gelof had a chance to bring Toro home to tie the game but unfortunately struck out to end the inning.
For Washington, their lead extended thanks to an insurance double from Young and the Athletics just couldn’t muster a two-run comeback against closer Kyle Finnegan (S, 5) in the bottom of the ninth.
Kyle Muller continues to impress me as a long-relief man. He went three innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Up Next
The Oakland A’s look to take the rubber match and win their third straight series of the season on Sunday. Alex Wood (0-1, 8.03) takes the mound for Oakland, while the Nationals will combat with Trevor Williams (2-0, 2.61 ERA).
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