All it takes is a homestand for things to get back on track. After a 7-5 win in the opening game of the series, the Oakland Athletics looked to continue their winning ways. Joey Estes took the mound for the Athletics and put on a show. It was a complete show, to be exact.
The rookie went all nine innings, allowing just five hits and striking out four batters on just 92 pitches. Though he was outstanding, his defense did an incredible job behind him.
The Oakland A’s have turned four double plays against the Angels already this series, and Joey Estes is loving it. #Athletics pic.twitter.com/zJPEPExdhX
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 4, 2024
With three double plays turned in this game alone, it was clear Estes couldn’t have had the performance he did without his fellow teammates.
But, back to him. Before this game, the Athletics went 515 games without a pitcher throwing a complete game. He put an end to that streak on Wednesday. For the first time in three years, a complete game shutout was thrown by an Athletics pitcher. The last time was by Sean Manaea in 2021.
JOEY ESTES SLAMS THE DOOR AND CAPS OFF A COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT AT THE COLISEUM! #Athletics pic.twitter.com/8rb61VYQgr
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 4, 2024
Now, how about that offense? Brent Harris, who was called back out to the team not too long ago, kicked things off in the second inning.
TWO DAYS BACK IN THE LINEUP, TWO DAYS IN A ROW WITH AN RBI FOR BRETT HARRIS! #Athletics pic.twitter.com/cIBoNtciHZ
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 4, 2024
Before you ask, yes. The Athletics mashed a few home runs to help the offense.
MAX SCHUEMANN CONTINUES TO CRUSH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LINEUP! #Athletics pic.twitter.com/46vrrTUg8R
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 4, 2024
BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS THIS ABSOLUTE ROCKET OF A HOME RUN OFF THE BAT OF BRENT ROOKER! #Athletics pic.twitter.com/uVLctuXXD0
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 4, 2024
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Harris hit an RBI single that brought Shea Langeliers home to make it a 5-0 game. It was all they would score for the rest of the game, but Estes’s performance didn’t require much from their offense.
A historic night for Joey Estes and the Athletics, even in a lost season. Now 32-56, we can hope this is truly the start of getting things back on track.
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Featured Image: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
