The Oakland Athletics finally did it. For the first time since May 23rd, they win a series. A 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals seals the three-game series with the Athletics, who snapped their nine-game losing streak on Tuesday night and have now won two straight as Wednesday comes to a close.
Miguel Andujar had three hits for Oakland, including a single to right field in the third inning to bring home the game’s first run.
Miguel and Brent get us rollin' ? pic.twitter.com/07XYFGdyeQ
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 20, 2024
Both Andujar and Rooker got Oakland to a 2-0 lead early, which was a great sign.
After Kansas City scored in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr., the Athletics put on the pressure in the seventh inning. Brent Rooker‘s RBI single brought JJ Bleday home from third base. Then, Tyler Nevin stepped up and added some insurance.
Rooker and Nevin Insurance Co. pic.twitter.com/gGgPTaLIUQ
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 20, 2024
Finally, in the eighth inning, Zach Gelof came to the plate with one out. Struggling at the plate all season long (.196 batting average), the second baseman saw a 95 MPH fastball and said “Goodnight”.
434 ft. from Zacky G ☄️ pic.twitter.com/KCdKpngP9Q
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 20, 2024
Mason Miller: Fear The Reaper
Arguably the best closer in the game made another appearance. Oakland’s Mason Miller stepped onto the mound for the top of the ninth inning.
The first victim was Nick Loftin. Luckily, he got out unscathed as he walked on six pitches.
Then, the real crimes began. After starting with a fastball for a strike, Miller threw three straight sliders to Adam Frazier. The last two got him swinging for out number one.
Next, Nelson Velazquez ended up popping out to first base on three pitches.
Two outs. Kyle Isbel was the last hope for Kansas City. Miller said not today, striking him out on five pitches to seal the win for the Athletics.
It wasn’t a save opportunity, but he made sure his teammate and starter Luis Medina got his first win of the season after a 5 2/3 inning performance that saw him allow just six hits and one run while striking out three.
Up Next
The Athletics look to sweep the Royals out of the Coliseum on Thursday. Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) will look to calm the Athletics down, who will send out Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95 ERA) for the series finale.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Eakin Howard/Getty Images
