The Oakland Athletics faced a disappointing end to their road trip, losing their series against the Seattle Mariners. Despite an early lead in the game, the A’s were unable to maintain their advantage and fell behind, ultimately losing the game 5-4. This loss concludes their road trip with a record of 3-4.
The A’s began the game strong with Jordan Diaz’s single in the second inning, followed by Lawrence Butler’s home run that put them ahead 2-0. Ryan Noda extended their lead to 3-0 with a double that brought Esteury Ruiz home. However, things took a turn in the third inning when Zach Neal struggled, allowing three runs that tied the game.
The A’s had opportunities to regain their advantage, including in the fourth inning when Perez and Butler both singled. Unfortunately, a double play and a line out ended their scoring threat. Neal managed to settle in and retire the next seven batters before exiting the game after the sixth inning.
Lucas Erceg took over on the mound for the A’s and pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Oakland regained the lead in the seventh when Aledmys Diaz doubled and Ruiz brought him home with a double to left field, putting the A’s ahead 4-3. However, Ruiz was thrown out at home while attempting to score on a fly out by Noda, ending the inning.
The Mariners responded in the bottom of the seventh, taking advantage of Kirby Snead’s struggles on the mound. Dominic Canzone and Mike Ford both singled, loading the bases for Dylan Moore, who walked and brought Canzone and Ford home. Seattle regained the lead, now ahead 5-4. The A’s made a pitching change, bringing in Dany Jimenez who retired the next two hitters to keep the game within reach.
In the eighth inning, the A’s had a chance to tie the game as Brent Rooker walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He then moved to third on a ground out by Seth Brown, but Tony Kemp struck out, leaving Rooker stranded.
Spencer Patton pitched a perfect eighth inning for the A’s, but their attempt to rally in the ninth fell short as Andres Munoz closed out the game for the Mariners.
With this series loss and the conclusion of their road trip, the A’s will now return home to face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series starting on Friday. The team will have an off day on Thursday to regroup before the homestand.
