Oakland Athletics starter Joey Estes pitched five innings of one-run ball, and the offense exploded for six runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined to beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1.
After losing 8-1 the night before, the Green & Gold decided to do a good ol’ switcheroo and make sure they were on the winning side.
In all seriousness, it was a solid Major League debut for Joey Estes. The 22-year-old right-hander was off to a rough start in AAA, sporting a record of 2-3 with a 6.35 ERA. But, the Athletics called him up for Saturday’s game, demoting Easton Lucas in the process.
He made the A’s proud with their trust in him, allowing just two hits against Seattle while striking out five batters. Estes actually got hit by a comebacker early in the first inning, but shook it off and threw a gem of a game.
As for the offense, they got things going in the third inning. Abraham Toro hit a single with two men on and brought Lawrence Butler home. Then, with the score tied at one, Brent Rooker would hit a single of his own to bring Brent Harris in for a 2-1 lead.
Things exploded in the eighth inning. With two men on, Ryne Stanek intentionally walked pinch-hitter Shea Langeliers to load the bases. Max Schuemann would be up next, and made the Mariners pay for their decision.
Mad Max ? pic.twitter.com/gydXYprMrM
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 12, 2024
The scoring continued in the ninth. Brent Harris was walked to start the inning and later scored on a wild pitch two batters later. With the score 6-1, JJ Bleday came to the plate and wiped any chances of a comeback by the Mariners away.
JJ + Perfect Perfect = Home Run pic.twitter.com/9fzMr8cBLa
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 12, 2024
Oakland’s Michael Kelly retired all three batters in the bottom of the ninth. Oakland is now 19-22 on the year.
Up Next
The A’s will send Alex Wood (1-2, 5.30 ERA) for the series finale against Luis Castillo (3-5, 3.54 ERA) on Sunday.
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Featured Image: Alika Jenner/Getty Images
