Well, the A's showed some life yesterday! I might even say it looked like they had a sense of urgency! It just felt to me that they collectively were focused on a different level in the series finale. Every phase of the game I just saw really good effort.
The A's chose to go the bullpen game route for the most part and it proved to be a wise decision. Luis Medina started and got through 1 1/3 innings, then Jacob Lopez, whose typically the starter, pitched a good 4 2/3 innings and then four other A's pitchers helped finish the game. Collectively the six pitchers allowed just two runs. Defensively the A's were sharp as well, throwing out runners at home, and at second.
Offensively, the A's scored the always strong milestone of five runs. If you can average five runs as an offense, you'll win a lot of games!
Carlos Cortes continued his excellent 2026 as he hit a leadoff homer to begin the game, his fifth. He went 2 for 4 for the contest.
Nick Kurtz extended his on-base streak to 47, he's a game away from tying Mark McGwire for the longest single season on-base streak in A's franchise history. Mark holds the longest overall streak of 62 which was accomplished in two seasons in 1995-96. Kurtz also went 2 for 4 yesterday.
The A's overall had a lot of traffic offensively, collecting 10 hits and 7 walks!
All in all I was pretty happy with their performance and desire to win. All phases of the game were clicking for them efficiently. The A's are back above .500!
Aaron Civale takes the mound today to begin this big AL West series against the Mariners. The Mariners will certainly want to gain ground in the division! The standings become more important by the day!
#GOATHLETICS!!!
