The winning streak continues. Oakland’s Ross Stripling (W, 1-5) pitched six solid innings, and the offense did their job as the Athletics got their fourth win in a row.
For Stripling, it was his first win since 2022 during his time as a Toronto Blue Jay. He didn’t win a single game for San Francisco in 2023, but finally turned the tide on Wednesday.
As for the offense, they got to work early. Abraham Toro’s hitting streak extended to six, thanks to a home run to center field in the bottom of the second inning. It gave the A’s a 1-0 lead early, but the scoring continued in the third.
Tyler Nevin also extended his own hitting streak to nine games, hitting a homer of his own in the bottom of the third inning to make it 2-0, Oakland. The outfielder would also score a run in the fifth inning on an error by Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz.
Speaking of Nevin, he’s been impressive after many questioned the move to bring him onto the team and demoted Esteury Ruiz earlier in the year. The decision looks to be paying off, with Nevin on a hot streak and currently hitting .325.
With one out, catcher Kyle McCann hit a single in the bottom of the eighth to bring Ruiz home for some insurance.
Turns out, the pitching staff didn’t need the insurance. Oakland’s bullpen continues to remain dominant as of late. T.J. McFarland, Austin Adams, Dany Jimenez, and Michael Kelly all earned a hold to their season, pitching well and allowing a combined one hit.
Though not a save situation, Mason Miller came out for the ninth inning and (as usual) shut things down to seal the victory.
Up Next
The Athletics will have the day off on Thursday but will welcome in the Marlins on Friday for the start of a three-game series. J.P. Sears (1-2, 4.64 ERA) gets the start against Ryan Weathers (2-2, 4.55 ERA).
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