The Oakland Athletics welcomed the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game set starting on Friday. It wasn’t just any typical game. In fact, it was the second reverse boycott game for A’s fans in two years. Fans were out and about in the Coliseum, a season-record 16,046 of them to be exact. After many decided to stay home and not attend A’s home games throughout the season, this reverse boycott was a day when fans came out to show the terrible owner that is John Fisher that there are passionate fans in Oakland.
Boy, did the people come out and support their team. It made a difference, as the Athletics competed all game long. Of course, competitiveness doesn’t mean much if there isn’t a W at the end of the day.
JJ Bleday would like to have a word about that, by the way.
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 8, 2024
But, let’s reverse for a second. Let’s start from the beginning.
A Pitcher’s Duel
Friday’s game had a pitching matchup between Hogan Harris of the Athletics versus Chris Bassitt of the Blue Jays.
Bassitt was a former Athletic himself, spending six years in Oakland. He was an all-star for the Green & Gold in 2021, going 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA.
But, now a Blue Jay, he looked to bring his best stuff against his former team.
As for Harris, it’s ironic. In last year’s reverse boycott game, he was the starter in that one as well. He went seven strong innings, allowing just one earned run and getting the win as Oakland defeated Tampa Bay 2-1.
With that said, the Louisiana native looked to repeat that performance.
Both starters were phenomenal. Starting with Bassitt, he went eight strong innings, striking out seven batters while allowing just one earned run. For Harris, he went six innings himself, allowing just three hits while striking out three batters. His ERA is now to a 2.21, which is impressive.
Toronto and Oakland struggled with runners in scoring position, going a combined 1-9. It just shows the pitchers were absolutely on their game Friday night. But, runs were scored at the end of the night.
Minimal Scoring, But Oakland Got Enough
Oakland got the scoring started, thanks to a wild pitch that scored shortstop Max Schuemann from third base to make it 1-0.
Then, Blue Jays’ own shortstop Bo Bichette hit a single to right field that scored Vladmir Guerrero Jr. from second base to tie things up in the seventh inning.
Oakland’s closer Mason Miller came in for the ninth inning, facing off against the trio of Guerrero, Bichette, and George Springer. The 2-3-4 part of the Blue Jays’ lineup.
He took care of them with ease, striking out the first two batters and forcing Springer to ground out to get to the bottom of the ninth.
Then, Toronto’s reliever Chad Green came in for the bottom of the ninth. JJ Bleday walked to the plate, looking to work the count and be the hero all Oakland fans were waiting to see rise above.
All it took for one pitch. An 86 MPH slider. As close to the middle of the strike zone as you could get. Bleday crushed it.
JJ just needed one pitch ?? pic.twitter.com/1WgCNfCo53
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 8, 2024
16,046 fans in attendance saw that ball leave the yard, giving those in the Coliseum something to cheer about for once. From the comfort of my home, I saw it and almost shed a tear. This will be just one of the few moments left for the A’s playing in the Coliseum. The home run by Bleday will always be remembered for eternity, even if it wasn’t a playoff game.
June 7th, 2024. The reverse boycott game to remember.
God, I love the Oakland Athletics.
jumping into the weekend like ? pic.twitter.com/mpLTKMPQh2
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 8, 2024
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Featured Image: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
