After less than desirable results in the prior series against the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals, the Oakland A’s look to be getting back on track in their three game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Oakland received three tremendous pitching efforts from Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel and Sonny Gray and did enough with their bats to pull off the sweep. Here is a brief recap of each game, including the mildly entertaining 10th inning in Game 1.
Game 1 final score: Athletics 3, Rays 2 (10 innings)
Starting pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Alex Cook scattered hits and two runs apiece in a solid pitching duel that was capped off by excellent bullpen work throughout the evening. That is until Grant Balfour came in to pitch the bottom of the 10th inning and got himself into more trouble, eventually giving up the game-winning hit to Derek Norris with the bases loaded.
The game was overshadowed a bit with the visit from a fine looking possum in left field. Samardzija’s take on the now dubbed ‘rally possum’, “He’s been out here before when we’re warming up. We’re going to have to give him a name or a jersey. We’ll keep feeding him, and as long as he keeps giving us enough wins, we’ll be alright.”
Game 2 final score: Athletics 3, Rays 0
A’s starting pitcher Jason Hammel has had anything but a smooth transition to the American League since being acquired by Oakland. Tuesday night, Hammel earned his first win with his new club by continually pitching himself out of trouble. He left the game after 5 2/3 innings to a standing ovation, after giving up zero runs while scattering seven hits and four walks.
The A’s got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th inning when Coco Crisp singled home Alberto Callaspo. The sparkplug that is Crisp, returned to the A’s lineup in style, going to third base on an errant throw by the Rays right fielder Kevin Kiermaier. Oakland tacked on two more runs in the 6th inning on base hits by Nate Freiman and Josh Reddick, with another assist from sloppy defense from the Rays.
Game 3 final score: Rays 7, Athletics 3
After being named Pitcher of the Month in July, Sonny Gray’s second start in August was his worst effort of the season, only going 4 1/3 innings while giving up ten hits and seven runs (six earned). Gray didn’t have command of his pitches, tying a career high with four walks.
The A’s offense was equally disappointing against Tampa’s starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, who only allowed one run on two hits in his seven innings pitched. Somewhat ironic, the A’s lone run came on a Eric Sogard home run, his first of the 2014 season.
If there is one potential bright spot for the A’s on Wednesday, it was the efforts of Jesse Chavez out of the bullpen. Chavez was able to go 3 2/3 inning and saved the bullpen arms for the forthcoming series with the Minnesota Twins. Chavez gave up two hits during his work and didn’t allow a run, while striking out three.
What’s Next?
The A’s remain in Oakland and host a four game series against the Minnesota Twins that begins on Thursday night. The A’s rotation remains consistent from this week’s Weekly Preview while the Twins have yet to announce who will pitch Saturday’s game. The Twins optioned ex-Athletic starting pitcher Tommy Milone after acquiring him for outfielder Sam Fuld, but he could be recalled to pitch on Saturday.