The preseason “knowledge” was that the lameduck Oakland Athletic’s were not going to be very good. That point obviously was lsot on the A’s. Just days after going 2-2 against the New York Yankees in the Bronx, the A’s took the series with the Baltimore Orioles with Sunday’s 7-6 win.
With a few “SELL” signs in the crowd, the A’s took advantage of Craig Kimbrel (3-1). Kimbrel blew his third save of the year as well as the second in this series alone, allowing 2 runs on 1 hit (HR) and allowing a walk before recording an out.
Kyle McCann-onball
pic.twitter.com/JzwM71PK2z
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) April 28, 2024
Adding insult to injury is Kimbrel’s uncertain status after leaving the contest with upper back tightness.
A footnote to the series was the return of former Baltimore employees Tyler Nevin, T.J. McFarland and Darell Hernaiz as well as the homecoming of sorts for Rehoboth Beach, DE native Zach Gelof.
Rendered moot in the loss were three Baltimore homeruns, solo shots by Adley Rutschman (1 for 5, HR, R, RBI) and Ramon Urias (1 for 4, HR, R, RBI) and a two-run blast by Ryan Mountcastle (3 for 4, HR, R, 2 RBI, SB).
Colton Cowser went 1 for 4 with a double and 1 RBI.
Cedric Mullins went 0 for 4 with a run scored, 1 RBI and a stolen base.
Starter Albert Suarez was not as sharp as he had been recently, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits (1 HR) with a walk and 6 strikeouts over 4.0 innings.
Reliever Keegan Akin struck out 2 in 2.0 innings of work, another solid performance by the southpaw.
Dillon Tate relieved Kimbrel, walking one in the ninth inning.
2024 Record: 17-10
Next Game: Mon. 4/29 @ 6:35 pm vs. New York Yankees