After being swept by the Cleveland Guardians, the Oakland Athletics continued their road trip as they headed to Yankee Stadium. New York awaited them, ready to start a four-game series.
But, an outstanding outing from JP Sears and a late home run by Zach Gelof led to the Athletics stealing game one of the series. In front of 30,366 fans, the home team failed to score any runs against Oakland.
The fireworks started early. Yankees manager Aaron Boone got ejected early in the first inning. The reason? Absolutely nothing.
"I don't care who said it. You're gone!" – Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) April 22, 2024
Wendelstedt ejected Aaron Boone after mistaking a yelling fan for Boone.
Shout out to @YESNetwork for the clearest ejection audio I've ever heard.#Yankees #Athletics pic.twitter.com/W4JKNZZSGD
Well, that was awkward. The umpire must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Anyway, it didn’t matter much for the first eight innings. Starters JP Sears and Carlos Rodon were dominant. The former pitched six innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven. As for the latter, he went seven strong innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four.
Oakland’s reliever Lucas Erceg (W, 1-1) would pitch two innings of relief, getting the win after the A’s finally put some runs on the board in the top of the ninth inning. After Abraham Toro reached on a single, Zach Gelof came to the plate. On a 2-2 count, he made contact on the fifth pitch.
Zach Gelof with a two run shot in the top of the ninth ??
— The Dinger Project (@thedingerpros) April 22, 2024
A’s lead it 2-0… pic.twitter.com/LVD7QDroxm
Closer Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth, sending Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge home with 100+ MPH pitches.
I’m not even joking, I make Dallas text me when he sees Mason Miller warming up so I never miss an appearance. He’s one of the very few can’t miss attractions in baseball right now. pic.twitter.com/qouVHyidKf
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) April 22, 2024
Miller would lock up his fifth save of the season, and the A’s are now 9-14 on the year.
Up Next
The Athletics look to start another winning streak and will send Paul Blackburn (2-0, 1.08 ERA) to the mound against Marcus Stroman (1-1, 2.42 ERA) for game two of the series.
Oakland is now 5-5 away from the Coliseum.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X!
Featured Image: Mike Stobe/Getty Images
