The Oakland Athletics were riding a four-game winning streak heading into the first game of their series versus the Miami Marlins. That streak increased to five, as the A’s got a solid performance from starter JP Sears and a home run from Brent Rooker to win 3-1.
After a rough outing against the Orioles, Sears (W, 2-2) bounced back in a big way against Miami. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing just four hits while striking out six batters. We’ll get to the bullpen in a second.
Both Sears and Miami’s starter Ryan Weathers (L, 2-3) were shutting out offenses for the first three innings. But, the A’s got on the board first. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Abraham Toro roped a single to center field with one out. After that, Brent Rooker stepped up to the plate. On a 1-0 count, he brought the damage.
440 ft from Brent Rooker ? pic.twitter.com/D0GU2hNE9l
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 4, 2024
They would add to that 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth, thanks to a throwing error by Tim Anderson that allowed baserunner Max Schuemann to score from second base and Esteury Ruiz to reach base safely.
The Athletics would be done scoring for the night, but not like it mattered to the pitching staff. The A’s bullpen was lights out, as relievers Austin Adams and Michael Kelly held the Marlins off the board. Lucas Erceg did come in the bottom of the eighth inning and got the team out of a bases-loaded jam to get to the ninth inning.
He would come out to get the save too. But, he did allow a run to score thanks to a double by Vidal Brujan that brought Nick Gordon in with two outs.
Luckily, that was all the damage Miami would cause. Jesus Sanchez would ground out to third base and Erceg got his second save of the season.
Up Next
Heading into the game, Oakland’s bullpen held a scoreless streak of 27 innings. Though the streak ended with the run allowed by Erceg, it ended at 30.1 innings. It is now officially the longest in the team’s history.
With the win, the A’s continue to surprise the baseball world. Sitting at 16-17 on a five-game winning streak, who knows what’s next for this group of guys. For now, one thing is certain: Oakland is on a roll.
The Athletics will look to continue their hot streak on Saturday. They will send Paul Blackburn (2-1, 3.34 ERA) to the bump against Miami’s Trevor Rogers (0-4, 4.31 ERA).
Also, don’t look now but…
Look who's coming back for the AL West crown… 👀👀#Athletics pic.twitter.com/Cra0xdwPzg
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) May 4, 2024
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