The preseason “knowledge” was that the Oakland Atheletics was that they were not going to be very good especially in this lame duck season. Just days remover from going 2-2 against the New York Yankees, the A’s took 2 of 3 from the Baltimore Orioles. Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the A’s, even amid a SELL sign or two, was like rubbing salt into the wound as it was the second time in the series that the Oakland bats got to closer Craig Kimbrel (3-1).
Kimbrel allowed 2 runs on 1 hit (HR) and walked 1 without recording an out in blowing his third save of 2024 and the second of the series to the A’s. The loss was hung on Kimbrel’s record as well. To make matters worse, Kimbrel is currently suffering from upper back tightness. As a footnote to the series, three former Baltimore players, Tyler Nevin, T.J. McFarland and Darell Hernaiz, saw time against their former employer. The series was also a bit of a homecoming for Rehoboth Beach native Zach Gelof.
Rendered nmoot in the loss were the 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 homerun 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 stole a base, going 0 for 4 with a run scored and 1 RBI.
Starter Albert Suarez was not as sharp as he had been lately, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits (1 HR) with a walk and 6 strikeouts over 4.0 innings.
Keegan Akin gave Baltimore a 2.0 inning relief effort that saw the southpaw strikeout 2.
Finishing the ninth inning for Kimbrel was Dillon Tate (1.0 IP, K).
2024 Record: 17-10
Next Game: Mon. 4/29 @ 6:35 pm vs. New York Yankees