The Orioles had their three-game winning streak snapped in Oakland Saturday night, as the A’s scored two in the fourth and one in the fifth for a 3-2, come from behind win.
Starter Joe Saunders (L, 8-12/2-2) pitched a decent game, going six innings and allowing all three A’s runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out six, but was hit hard in the middle innings. Down 1-0 in the fourth, Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes crushed a two-run homer (19) into left, and the A’s were on top 2-1.
Chris Davis the led off the O’s fifth with a home run to center, his 26th. But the A’s began their half of the fifth with three straight hits, and took the lead for good.
The Orioles had a chance to do something against A’s closer Grant Balfour in the ninth. Matt Wieters led off with an infield single, and Buck Showalter went to Xavier Avery to run for him. Endy Chavez was called on to pinch hit after his 2/2 performance in Thursdays 14-inning marathon, but he struck out. Mark Reynolds then flew out to Cespedes for out number two. Then, with Davis at the plate, Avery, on a 1-2 pitch that was called a ball, was thrown out trying to steal to end the game.
The A’s and Orioles battle again Saturday night at 9:05. Zach Britton (5-2, 4.72) goes for the birds. The A’s send out Jarrod Parker (10-8, 3.56).
The GOOD:
Machado: 2/2, 1R, 1BB.
Davis: 1/3, 1HR, 1RBI.
The BAD:
The O’s hit into four double plays, including two from Robert Andino. They were killers.
Taking the bat out of Davis’ hands in the ninth? That play is ONLY good if Avery makes it. And, well, you know…
