A’s Beat Pirates 9-5 for Second Straight Win

Oakland Athletics’ Jace Peterson doubles off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Roansy Contreras, driving in two runs, during the first inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Wed Jun 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

By: Mary Anne

The Oakland Athletics concluded a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Thursday. The A’s looked to win two games in a row and hung on to beat the Pirates 9-5 in the series finale. With the win, Oakland improved to 14-50 and Pittsburgh dropped to 32-29.

The A’s starting lineup consisted of Ryan Noda, Seth Brown, Brent Rooker, Ramón Laureano, Jace Peterson, Jonah Bride, JJ Bleday, Shea Langeliers, Kevin Smith, and Hogan Harris. Harris pitched for five innings and gave up four hits, three earned runs, three walks, two strikeouts, and one home run before exiting the game.

The A’s jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Brent Rooker singled on a line drive to Ji-Hwan Bae, and Ryan Noda scored for a 1-0 lead as Seth Brown went to third base. Jace Peterson doubled on a ground ball to Connor Joe, and Brown scored for a 3-0 lead as Ramón Laureano went to third base.

Jonah Bride singled on a line drive to Bae, and Laureano scored for a 4-0 lead as Peterson went to third base. JJ Bleday singled on a line drive to Bryan Reynolds, and Peterson scored for a 5-0 lead as Bride went to second base. Noda walked, and Bride scored for a 6-0 lead as Bleday went to third base and Kevin Smith went to second base. Brown walked, and Bleday scored for a 7-0 lead as Smith went to third base and Noda went to second base.

The Pirates avoided being shutout by the A’s in the bottom of the second inning. Rodolfo Castro homered on a fly ball to center field to cut the A’s lead to 7-1.

The Pirates added two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Rodolfo Castro doubled on a fly ball to JJ Bleday, and Carlos Santana and Ke’Bryan Hayes scored to cut the A’s lead to 7-3.

The A’s extended their lead in the top of the seventh inning. Ryan Noda homered on a fly ball to left field for an 8-3 lead. Brent Rooker doubled on a sharp line drive to Bryan Reynolds, and Seth Brown scored for a 9-3 lead.

The Pirates scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Connor Joe walked, and Jason Delay scored to cut the A’s lead to 9-4 as Andrew McCutchen went to third base and Bryan Reynolds went to second base.

The Pirates inched closer to the A’s in the bottom of the ninth inning, but that’s all she wrote. Bryan Reynolds singled on a line drive to Ramón Laureano, and Ji-Hwan Bae scored to cut the A’s lead to 9-5 as Andrew McCutchen went to second base.

The A’s will take on the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Friday, June 9 at 5:10 pm Pacific.

MLB podcast The Show with Stephen Ruderman: A’s fans to hold reverse boycott Tuesday night at Coliseum; Future of A’s in hands of Nevada Assembly

Renderings view from the MGM in Las Vegas of a possible Las Vegas A’s ball park at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino which if approved by the Nevada State Legislature should be completed in either 2027 or 2028. (Renderings from the Oakland Athletics Baseball Company)

On the MLB podcast The Show with Stephen:

#1 The Oakland A’s this week proposed a very unusual start time for home games once their up and running in Las Vegas at the Tropicana and that would be a 4pm PT first pitch. The idea is that would not cause interference with the take off and landings at Las Vegas Airport which home plate faces.

#2 There are also some more musts that the A’s must achieve to economically make this ball park in Vegas a success they must sell out every single game and you have to consider 30% of tourists need to be part of that make up of that sold out attendance.

#3 The A’s are further challenged with having the smallest ball park in MLB a 30,000 seat capacity and they must sell out not just the 81 home games but also other events and shows at the Tropicana site.

#4 The Nevada State Legislature has not held the vote to pass this year’s budget because Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo will not sign off on it and the A’s ball park SB509 project has been pushed back because they can’t pass a budget even without the ball park on it.

#5 Stephen, the A’s last thread of hope hangs with the Nevada Legislation, 50 plus years of Oakland A’s baseball, four World Series, six Hall of Famers in Oakland’s history are in the hands of these Nevada assembly people. The deadline to pass a budget has passed and now their looking at a special session how much does the stadium weigh on this budget getting passed.

Stephen Ruderman does the MLB podcast each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s snap 15 game road skid; Oakland crushes Bucs hitting four home runs winning 11-2

Oakland Athletics’ Jace Peterson (6) returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run off Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Chase De Jong during the eighth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Tue Jun 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

 A’s Crush Pirates Hitting Four Home Runs Winning 11-2.

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Oakland A’s (13-50) played game two in their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-28) the A’s finally snapped their long 15 game road losing streak at 15 games with a crushing 11-2 win at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

On Monday night at PNC the A’s had a 3-0 lead into the fifth inning of game one but could not hold on losing the first game of the series 5-4. The Bucs did score in three innings in the game with eight hits.

Game One was a very competitive game for Oakland and they came into the second game of the series looking to even it up.

Tuesday A’s-Bucs game recap: The Pirates took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and the A’s tied up the game in the second. Shea Langeliers hit a home run in the second inning to give Oakland the 1-1 tie.

Oakland took the lead in the third inning 2-1. Seth Brown doubled Ryan Noda home and again the A’s had a very competitive game in the works. The Pirates tied up the game 2-2 in the fifth inning when outfielder Bryan Reynolds scored.

Oakland scored three runs in the sixth inning. Jace Peterson, Jonah Bride and Ryan Noda all had singles driving in base runners and taking a 5-2 lead.

The A’s were not even close to being finished. In the eighth inning Oakland knocked a couple of balls out of the park, both of them two run homers. Jace Peterson hit the first one followed by Brent Rooker with the second long ball. Its was Oakland’s night to shine leading 9-2 going into the ninth inning.

This was the kind of game that most ball players dream of. Jace Peterson would hit a second home run, a two run homer and he was 5 of 5 for the evening. Seven different A’s scored in this game. The final was 11-2 and Oakland had broken their 15 game road game losing streak.

This was a terrific game for Oakland, a competitive game. They had 15 hits and four home runs. The A’s had evened the series and a game like this is bound to give the players an amazing lift. Pitcher James Kaprielian went six innings and got his first win of the season.

Game three will be played Wednesday morning with first pitch scheduled for 9:35 AM PT. Hogan Harris (0-0 ERA 6.97) will take the mound for the A’s going for the series win. The Pirates will send Roansy Contreras (3-4 ERA 4.82) to the hill. The A’s scored in five innings in Tuesday’s game. This is the way that a team wins and hopefully the A’s can duplicate more of this play in Wednesday’s contest.

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s hope to turn it around in Pittsburgh after getting swept in Miami

Oakland A’s starter Paul Blackburn pitches against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sun Jun 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Barbara:

#1 In the bottom of the eighth inning the Miami Marlins Luis Arraez’s infield single helped the Marlins pass the Oakland A’s at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sunday as the Marlins scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth for a two run 7-5 win.

#2 Talking a little more on Arraez he did get a smash hit that bounced off second baseman Aledmys Diaz’s mitt and base runner Joey Wendle scored the go ahead run to help get the Marlins on top 6-5.

#3 The Marlins (32-28) and second in the NL East and they have their best record since they were in the playoffs in 1997 through 60 games and after 83 wins in 2004

#4 The A’s had their hands full in this three game series Sunday couldn’t have been their best chance to beat the Marlins but that eighth inning with the Marlins scoring two runs to top the A’s 7-5.

#5 The A’s take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (31-27) in the first of a three game series. JP Sears (0-3 ERA 4.37) will take the mound for the A’s and Johan Oviedo (3-4 ERA 4.50) will be on the hill for Pittsburgh. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM.

Join Barbara for the A’s podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Despite A’s 5 run third Marlins scratch enough runs for 7-5 win for sweep

Miami Marlins third baseman Jean Segura, right, reacts after missing a catch on a throwing error by starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (not shown) as Oakland Athletics’ Ramon Laureano (22) heads for home to score during the third inning at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sun Jun 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Despite A’s 5 run third Marlins scratch enough runs for 7-5 win

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Oakland Athletics (12-49) took on the Miami Marlins (32-28) in game three of their series getting swept in three games 7-5. After losing the first two games of the series the A’s who scored 5 runs in the top of the third inning couldn’t hold onto the lead as the Marlins tied the game 5-5 in the fifth and went ahead 7-5 for keeps in the eighth. In game one of the series, the A’s were shutout 4-0, and in game two Oakland was manhandled to the tune of 12-1.

Sunday game recap: Although the Marlins took an early lead scoring one run in the second inning, Oakland answered in the third inning scoring five runs. After the Marlins Yuli Gurriel doubled driving in Garrett Cooper , the A’s got to work. The third inning got underway with a Nick Allen bunt to the pitcher and Jace Peterson scored the first run of the third getting the Oakland scoring frenzy underway.

Esteury Ruiz singled Shea Langliers home, followed by a Ramon Laureano double that allowed two more runs to score. Laureano was able to cap off the inning scoring on a throwing error by Miami pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Oakland had built up a 5-1 lead.

The Marlins tied up the game scoring one run in the fourth and three more runs in the fifth inning. The fifth inning Garrett Cooper home run with two runners (Luis Arraez and Bryan De la Cruz) on base put the Marlins in the drivers seat. Letting this lead slip away was critical for Oakland.

Miami put the finishing touches on the game in the eighth inning scoring twice. Joey Wendle and Nick Fortes both scored. The Marlins came back in the eighth inning with two runs giving the Marlins the sweep.

It was a frustrating loss for Oakland after taking the 5-1 lead. Outside of the third inning the A’s only had one hit from Laureano in the sixth frame. Oakland only had six hits in this game and for the most part it was three up and three down for most of this game.

The A’s will now travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates starting on Monday night at 4:05pm PT. It has been a bumpy roller coaster ride with more downs than ups for the Athletics this season.

It will be another challenge for these young guys. The Pirates are currently in second place in the NL Central a half game behind the Brewers. JP Sears (0-3 ERA 4.37) will take the mound for the A’s and Johan Oviedo (3-4 ERA 4.50) will be on the hill for Pittsburgh. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM.

A’s Drop Game Two in Marlins Series 12-1

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Luis Medina, front left, talks with catcher Shea Langeliers (23) during the first inning at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sat Jun 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

A’s Drop Game Two in Marlins Series 12-1

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Oakland A’s (12-48) continued their series with the Miami Marlins (31-28) and it was not the outcome Oakland would have wanted this time getting crushed by their hosts 12-1 at LoanDepot Park in Maimi.

Friday was no better either Oakland was shut out by Miami 4-0. The A’s were coming off a great series in the beginning of the week actually winning a series against the NL East leading Atlanta Braves.

They played some very nice ball against the Braves in that series but it all came to a screeching halt yesterday when they lost that first game against Miami Friday.

Saturday game recap: In game two of this series it was all Miami after only two innings into the game. The Marlins went on top taking a 4-0 lead. Jonathan Davis doubled and Nick Fortes and Joey Wendle both scored for the 2-0 lead.

The Marlins Luis Arraez singled in Davis and a Bryan De La Cruz sacrifice got Arraez home giving the Marlins a 4-0 advantage. The Marlins were putting on a great show for their home crowd at LoanDepot Park.

The Marlins would strike again in the third inning scoring three times and take a 7-0 lead. Miami loaded the bases and Arraez came to the plate and doubled. Arraez set a career for most hits in a game with five and five RBIs to chip in on the offensive effort. Jean Segura, Joey Wendle and Nick Fortes all scored to end the inning.

There was two more runs in the fifth inning for Miami taking a 9-0 lead. The Marlins had 12 hits through seven innings and the A’s had only five hits. When it was all said and done, Miami had 14 hits and the A’s had eight.

In the eighth inning the A’s got up on the board. They did have the bases loaded but only managed to score a single run leaving runners stranded. Shea Langliers singled Laureano home for the one run.

The Marlins would tack on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth taking a 12-1 lead that was the final. After the great series that the A’s had to start the week this current one was turning into a real disappointment. The A’s down 0-2 with game three on tap Sunday.

Sunday, the A’s will head into game three with Miami trying to avoid another sweep. Paul Blackburn will take the mound for Oakland with a 0-0 record and a 2.25 ERA. Sandy Alcantara will be on the hill for Miami with a 2-5 W/L record and a 4.93 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 10:40 AM.

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: Special session possibly needed for A’s ballpark vote past Jun 5th deadline

The possible future new home of the Las Vegas Athletics at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel as seen on May 9, 2023 (file photo Nevada Independent)

On the A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel there is talk now that some owners are against the Oakland A’s getting a free pass from being allowed not have to pay for the relocation fee to Vegas and it’s not sitting very well with the owners.

#2 One thing about not enforcing the relocation fee is that this might set a precedent for future moves in MLB and clubs will want that relocation fee waved.

#3 If MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was to wave the relocation fee that might make a difference in how owners will vote and that might have them vote no on the A’s moving out of Oakland.

#4 Daniel in the event that the Nevada State Assembly votes no on public funding for the Tropicana ballpark at the tune of $395 million. $185 from the State of Nevada and Clark County $145 million. There has been talk that the A’s will seek other cities that will have them and not return to Oakland. That said the Mayor of Oakland Sheng Thao has said that she would take a phone call from the A’s if it doesn’t work out in Vegas.

#5 The Assembly met in Carson City as you know last Monday Memorial Day and it sounded very much like a favorable meeting for the new park but two items stand in the way the one we talked about at the top of the show with MLB owners possibly objecting to move the A’s because they don’t have to pay a relocation fee and the other public pressure on the Nevada Assembly showing in a recent poll that over 80% of Las Vegas residents are opposed to using public funds to pay for the park and 21% are in favor for using public funds for the park.

#6 Sacramento has also shown interest in the A’s moving to Northern California in the event that the Las Vegas deal falls through.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s shutout by Marlins Cabrera in 4-0 loss at LoanDepot Park to open series

Oakland Athletics third baseman Aledmys Diaz (12) and Miami Marlins Bryan De La Cruz (14) hugs after De La Cruz was caught between bases during the fifth inning at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Fri Jun 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Mary Anne

The Oakland Athletics (12-47) looked to avoid a two-game losing streak as they started a new three-game series against the Miami Marlins (30-28) on Friday. The A’s and the Marlins matched up at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. The A’s just couldn’t get any hitting going getting struck out ten times by Marlins starter Edward Cabrera for a 4-0 shutout to open the three game series in Miami.

The A’s starting lineup consisted of Esteury Ruiz, Ryan Noda, Brent Rooker, Seth Brown, Aledmys Díaz, JJ Bleday, Jonah Bride, Shea Langeliers, Tony Kemp, and Shintaro Fujinami. Fujinami, a Japanese pitcher who bats and throws right, took the loss and fell to 2-6 on the season after pitching just one inning. Hogan Harris pitched five innings, while Austin Pruitt pitched 1.2 innings and Sam Moll pitched 0.1 innings.

The A’s had their work cut out for them against the Marlins, but they couldn’t get anything going. Miami opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning as Jesus Sanchez homered on a fly ball to left field and Bryan De La Cruz scored to give the Marlins a 2-0 lead.

As if they haven’t already done enough damage, Miami added two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jorge Soler doubled on a sharp line drive to JJ Bleday and Jacob Stallings scored to give the Marlins a 3-0 lead. Bryan De La Cruz scored again as he singled on a ground ball to Seth Brown and Jorge Soler scored to give the Marlins a 4-0 lead.

Cabrera pitched six innings on four hits, one walk and ten strike outs before being lifted in the seventh for reliever JT Chargois who was followed by two more relievers who held down the fort to shutout the visiting A’s.

The A’s and Marlins meet again on Saturday, June 3 at 1:10 pm Pacific. Luis Medina (0-4 ERA 6.83) seeks his first win of the 2023 season will be opposed by the Marlins Eury Perez (2-1 ERA 2.84) in the second game of the series.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Memories of Oakland-Billy Ball baseball (#3 in a series)

Billy Martin former Oakland A’s manager and inset the book written by Dale Tafoya “Billy Ball” (photo from Athletics Nation)

Memories of Oakland – Billy Ball Baseball (#3 in a Series)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Somehow the 1980 Billy Ball era is forgotten by baseball, unless you are a real A’s fan in the East Bay. The colorful Billy Martin only managed the Oakland As for three seasons but it left a remarkable place in the history of the Athletics franchise. Billy Martin was born in Berkeley, he was an original resident of Alameda County and once was a passionate and feisty player who later  became manager in the major leagues.

Billy Martin always loved Latino players. When I asked him during an interview he told me that “Latinos play with a lot of passion for the game, that passion that I had when I played”. During those years the A’s did not win a World Series or produced a real winner but there is no doubt Billy, a real character, left his fingerprints in the history of this franchise.

Billy Martin was the second baseman for the New York Yankees during the early 1950’s Yankee dynasty, winning titles in 1950,1951,1952.1953 and 1956. He played on great winning teams. As a manager he hated to lose and he demanded the most from his players.

As manager Billy was unique, as a player an even more eccentric as a manager. He managed the Twins, Tigers, Rangers, Athletics and Yankees. A 16-year managerial career and was successful with a record of 1,253 games won and 1,013 lost.

More than once when his team was in a real bad slump he will pick up his lineup out of hat. Billy Martin was always getting into trouble, at a bar after a game, or by kicking dirt on umpires. I used to call him “Una bola de Fuego” trans- A Ball of Fire.

During Spring Training in 1980 my broadcast partner Julio González and yours truly went to the then famous Pink Pony in Scottsdale. Julio and I invited Tony Armas, the A’s Venezuelan-born right fielder, a very nice mild manner guy.

As we three, approached an enter, just a few steps inside, Armas told us “no, no aqui, vamos a otro lado” trans – “no, not here, let’s go someplace else”. Tony noticed that at a table there was Billy, with his coaches, Clete Boyer, Lee Walls and pitching coach Art Fowler.  He didn’t want to go and eat there. Why? He explained to us later, Billy could “start” something and he didn’t wanted any part of it.

You might call it respect or afraid of your manager, or both, whatever, Billy brought that type of heat, his presence, he was like a Frank Sinatra type of guy, could get mad and spark something.

The Haas family bought the A’s that year and one of the best moves they made was to bring aboard Marketing guru Andy Dolich who used Billy Martin’s personality to the advantage of the team. A Billy Ball campaign which ultimately won Mr.Dolich a CLIO advertising award.

A CLIO is an annual award in advertising that recognizes innovation and excellence in advertising, aka an Oscar in advertising. Because of Billy Martin’s managing style, Andy Dolich recognized that was an asset to the organization and launched the Billy Ball Baseball campaign.

Billy Martin would later retire with the Yankees, whom he managed three more times, as owner George Steinbrenner (another character) fired him three times. Billy Martin died in an automobile accident in upstate New York on Christmas night in 1989. Although he managed the Oakland Athletics for just three years, to me Billy Martin is an unforgettable man of baseball, talented, explosive and always entertaining.

Amaury is the lead announcer for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and KATD 990 Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com and visit my website:  amaury-pi-gonzalez.com

Oakland A’s off day report: Athletics open 9 game road trip in Miami Friday night

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s (12-46) are going to Miami to start a nine-game road trip. The A’s won two of three from the N.L. East division leader, the Atlanta Braves, in the three-game series that finished yesterday in Oakland. The A’s surprised the Braves by winning the series’ first two games. They lost a close game, 4-2, on Wednesday.

The A’s pitching held the Braves to just seven runs in the series. The Braves, World Champions in 2021, have players that know how to win. Their stars are Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Austin Riley. The two wins over the Braves had to put a smile on manager Mark Kotsay’s face.

The A’s will face the N.L. East’s second-place team, the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are 29-28, tied with the New York Mets for second-best record in the East. Their manager is Skip Schumaker, who replaced Don Mattingly.

The Marlins have some hitters in their lineup. Miami acquired Luis Arreaz from the Minnesota Twins. Arreaz is a lifetime .300 hitter. This year with the Marlins, he is hitting a robust .381. Arreaz is the team’s second baseman. The Marlins platoon Garrett Cooper and Yuli Guriel at first base.

Guriel, a former Houston Astro, is hitting. 281. In his days with the Astros, Guriel loved to hit against the A’s pitchers. John Berti is the Marlins shorstop. Veteran infielder Jean Segura will be at third base. The Marlins outfielders are Jonathan Davis in centerfield, Bryan De La Cruz in left field, and Jesus Sanchez in right field.

Davis is a rookie and has played in seven games. De La Cruz is hitting .296 with seven homers and 23 RBIs. Sanchez owns a.310 batting average and has three dingers and 11 RBIs.
The DH is the veteran Jorge Soler. Soler is a power hitter. He hit 48 home runs in 2019 with the Kansas City Royals. This year, Soler has hit 17 big flies and has knocked in 35 runs.

The pitching matchups for the three-game series are lefty Hogan Harris (0-0 ERA 10.13) going for the A’s Friday night against Edward Cabrera (3-4 ERA 5.02) of the Marlins. Harris last pitched on May 27th against the Houston Astros. The young lefty, pitching in relief, went five innings and allowed one hit.

Luis Medina (0-4 ERA 6.83) will be on the hill for the A’s on Saturday. Eury Perez (2-1 ERA 2.84)will pitch for Miami. Paul Blackburn (0-0 ERA 2.25) will be making his second start of the year on Sunday. In his first outing, Blackburn, an All-Star in 2022, went four innings allowing four hits and one run.

Blackburn’s opponent will be Sandy Alcantara (2-5 ERA 4.93). Alcantara was the National League’s Cy Young Award winner in 2022. Things have yet to go his way this year. He is 20-5 and owns a 4.93 ERA.

The Marlins have two former A’s pitchers on their staff. Both are left-handed. Jesus Luzardo who is a starter but will not face his old team this weekend. Reliever A.J. Puk, who has been a closer for Miami, is available on June 4th.

Mark Kotsay hopes his team will continue to play as they did against the Braves. The A’s have the worst record in baseball. They are on track to break the New York Mets record of 120 losses in a season. Let’s hope the team gets off to a good start Friday night.