Oakland isn't expected to have a strong year, but they nearly came to two straight victories to start the season. Instead, they gave up three runs in the ninth inning and allowed Los Angeles to pull off the 7-6 victory. Second baseman Danny Espinosa drilled a three-run shot with one out in the ninth inning to bring the Angels up to their second lead of the game after they gave it up in the seventh. The Athletics were able to score four runs in that inning to take the lead after being down 4-2 since the fifth inning.
Angels light it up on offense
After Oakland had opened things up with a run in the first inning, Los Angeles racked up three runs in the second inning.
That lead held up until the home squad scored four runs to steal it. Espinosa led the team with three RBIs with the huge home run he had in the ninth inning. Catcher Martin Maldonado picked up two RBIs right after Espinosa at the end of the batting order.
Despite 13 runs being scored in the contest, Angels' right-handed starter Matt Shoemaker only gave up two earned runs on four hits. Both runs came on single home run jacks from the A's. It was the bullpen that struggled giving up four earned runs on five more hits. Cam Bedrosian picked up his first save of the season and also grabbed a strikeout.
Athletics can't hold on to late lead
Oakland took a two-run lead in the bottom of the seventh inning.
After first baseman Yonder Alonso had picked up an RBI, leadoff hitter Rajai Davis landed a triple that brought in three runs. That third run was himself, being able to scramble to a home on a throwing error by Espinosa. Of course, Espinosa made up for the lone error of the game by hitting the go-ahead home run shot in the ninth inning.
Athletics' left-handed starter Sean Manaea finished with a no decision on four earned runs and five hits. Closer Ryan Dull picked up the loss after giving up three hits and the home run blast in just 19 innings of work.
This four-game set continues on Wednesday night. First pitch at Oakland Coliseum is slated for 10:05 PM Eastern time.
