Oakland Athletics claimed victory against San Diego Padres to complete their weekend series and maintain their lead in AL West heading back home to Sacramento. With this result, A’s maintained their spot as division leaders.
Oakland set the pace against Padres starter Michael King from the very first pitch of this matchup with leadoff hitter Carlos Cortes hitting an opening-pitch solo home run, giving Oakland an immediate 1-0 advantage.
The offense continued to build in the second inning. Zack Gelof drew a one-out walk, and rookie center fielder Henry Bolte followed with a two-out RBI double to push the lead to 2-0. Shortly after, newly acquired shortstop Alika Williams, making his first start for the team, singled to bring home Bolte and extend the lead to 3-0.
Nick Kurtz kept his impressive on-base streak alive with a single in his second at-bat, tying him with franchise great Jimmie Foxx for the second-longest streak in team history, trailing only Mark McGwire’s record.
Another run came in the fourth inning during a bases-loaded situation aided by a wild pitch from King. Although the A’s scored just one run in that sequence, it was enough to chase King from the mound.
On the pitching side, right-hander Luis Medina made his first start since earlier this season but lasted only four outs before manager Mark Kotsay brought in left-hander Jacob Lopez. Lopez responded with strong relief, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing only a sacrifice fly in the sixth, backed by solid defense.
Lopez handed the ball over to the bullpen after the sixth inning to protect the three-run lead. With fellow lefty Gage Jump performing well in Triple-A, the team will have to decide if Lopez continues in a starting or long-relief role moving forward. Lopez is also a potential starter for the upcoming series against the Yankees.
The A’s added insurance runs in the ninth inning with a timely single from Sodey, extending the lead to 5-2. In relief, Justin Sterner gave up a solo home run but otherwise kept the Padres at bay. Mark Leiter Jr. followed with a scoreless eighth inning, setting up closer Scott Barlow in the ninth. After allowing two walks, Barlow struck out Nick Castellanos and retired Fernando Tatis Jr. on a fly out to earn his first save of the season and secure the victory.
Overall, the A’s offense had 10 hits and seven walks with six of nine starters getting hits – Medina and Lopez’s one run allowed across six innings contributed significantly to this team win.
Going forward, Oakland A’s will play three crucial home games against division rival Seattle Mariners starting with Aaron Civale on April 13 and Luis Castillo against them starting April 16. Each contest will be pivotal as Oakland looks to solidify their place within AL West.