The A’s returned to the Coliseum for a six-game homestand. Up first: the Washington Nationals for a three-game set.
It was another outstanding pitching performance by Paul Blackburn, who went 6 1/3 innings and allowed five hits but zero runs! He also struck out four batters.
Though he did not get the win, the A’s are now 3-0 when he starts. Thanks to late-game heroics from Lawrence Butler, Oakland continues to remain hot.
LAWRENCE BUTLER CALLED GAME pic.twitter.com/6qJ3osdCB2
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 13, 2024
Both teams got great outings from their pitching staff. Oakland only had three hits all night long, after all. But, they made the most out of them and got the victory.
Oakland got on the board in the third inning, thanks to a solo home run by Butler.
"THAT BALL IS NOT COMING BACK!"@ChrisCaray's first MLB home run call comes on this Lawrence Butler blast ? pic.twitter.com/dE5RDTPufu
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 13, 2024
Other than that, Nationals starter Jake Irvin was solid. He went six innings, striking out five batters while allowing just that one run.
Washington would spoil the chances of Blackburn getting the win by scoring in the top of the ninth inning. Jesse Winkler homered off of Dany Jimenez to tie things up. The game would go to extra innings, but a costly mistake by the Nationals benefited the A’s in a hurry.
Turnin' ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Irh4sFvI1J
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2024
So, we fast-forward to the bottom of the tenth inning. Max Schuemann made his MLB debut as the ghost runner, and after Shea Langeliers was intentionally walked, Butler made the Nationals pay.
For the Athletics, this is hopefully the start of a breakout season for the young outfielder. He’s currently batting under the Mendoza Line, but this may be the game he needed to break out of the slump.
Michael Kelly (2-0) got the win for the A’s, while Kyle Finnegan (0-2) was charged with the loss.
Up Next
The A’s will look to continue their winning ways, sending Joe Boyle (1-1, 8.72 ERA) to combat the Nationals and their starter in MacKenzie Gore (1-0, 4.09 ERA).
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Featured Image: Loren Elliott/Getty Images
