Déjà Vogt Wins it in Ten For Oakland Athletics

Down to their last out, Bob Melvin went to the bench and called upon Jake “From A’s Farm” Smolinski hoping that he would deliver in the clutch after  Tyler Clippard found himself in some hot water after surrendering a 1-0 with one away in the ninth. With a runner on first, Smolinski managed to connect on a four-seamed fastball that floated over the infield and fell in shallow left, tying the game at two. With a crowd of 30,778 on their feet at the O.Co Coliseum, the fans would — without a doubt — erupt when Stephen Vogt lined an opposite-field walk-off single to left field, en route to a 3-2 win.

Highlights

Scott Kazmir looked unfazed on the mound despite the fact that several scouts were present Saturday night. The southpaw was lights out, tossing 8 1/3 innings of one run baseball with five strike outs and ultimately lowering his season earned run average to 2.38. Just when the lefty appeared to be in trouble, his defense induced several double plays in the first, fourth, and fifth to escape the jams. Through the first six frames Kazmir and Twins starter Phil Hughes held the oppositions’ offense at bay. That was until Billy Butler feasted upon an 88 mile-an-hour cut-fastball and sent it sailing over the center field fence, breaking the Athletics’ streak of 20 consecutive innings of putting up a run in a major league ball game.

Trotting out for the ninth inning, Kazmir quickly retired Eduardo Escobar on six pitches before Brett Lawrie air mailed a soft ground ball over the head of Ike Davis, which allowed Brian Dozier to advance to second base on the play. Without hesitation, Melvin made the move to his closer and on four pitches, hit the aging Torii Hunter, setting the table for seasoned veteran Joe Mauer. After working a full count to Mauer, Clippard hung a change-up over the middle of the plate, caroming the right field wall, knotting the game at one. Rookie Miguel Sano followed up with a medium fly ball to right, breaking the tie, and leaving many disgruntled A’s fans displeased.

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If the Oakland Athletics wanted any chance to salvage Kazmir’s stellar performance, they had to rely on the walk-off. Considering the fact that Josh Reddick was responsible for the Athletics’ first pie this season, the odds remained unlikely. That was until Smolinski stepped up to the plate and lined a soft single to left field allowing Lawrie to score from second. Heading into tonight’s contest, Twins closer Glen Perkins had a perfect 28-for-28 in save opportunities. However, before he could settle in, his counter part Casey Fien went toe-to-toe with Burns in the tenth.

Burns, who is typically not known for taking pitches, patiently waited for a 3-2 fastball and smoked a line drive double to center field to begin the frame. With Vogt batting, Burns swiped third-base on a gutsy play — leaving Fien stunned and the Oakland faithful on their feet. In a matter of seconds, Vogt slapped an opposite-field single to left field. In what appeared to be a picturesque scene from the 2013 American League Division Series, the Athletics’ backstop would take a banana route to the first base bag, exhibiting a number one gesture in the air with Cool and the Gang blaring in the background.

The Good

• It remains uncertain as to whether or not this will be Kazmir’s last start in the green and gold. After tossing 8 1/3 innings of one run baseball against Minnesota, it is safe to say that his trade value has increased tremendously. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the south paw has stated that he loves the guys in the clubhouse, the atmosphere of the Coliseum and the fans; however, it will be Beane’s decision to keep this team intact, only if the chances of getting back into contention are possible.

The Bad

• The Oakland Athletics’ bullpen continued to struggle on Saturday night. This time at the hands of Clippard. At this point, many A’s fans are wondering if they have the consistency to get back in the race. Or if dealing the right-hander would be beneficial should Oakland acquire some bullpen arms for added depth.

The Notable

• Since 2012, the A’s have managed to win all three games on July 18 with a walk-off at the Coliseum after trailing by three runs or less. It was Brandon Hicks who launched an opposite-field solo home run off of Texas Rangers reliever Michael Kirkman in the ninth. Two years later, who could forget Josh Donaldson‘s towering three-run blast to straight-away center via Zach Britton of the Baltimore Orioles en route to a 5-4. And of course, Vogt’s clutch performance tonight.

• Hunter celebrated his 40th birthday and to commemorate the occasion, his teammates provided him with some “adult diapers” to sport around the club house.
• Kazmir was 3-1 in his last four starts and the opposition was batting a measly .098 against the lefty’s slider since June 1, 2015. And, is second in the majors with a 80.3 team shut down percentage in the majors.

Up Next

Jesse Chavez (4-9, 3.40 ERA) will close out the series finale against the Twins and face off against a former Athletic — Tommy Milone (5-1, 2.84 ERA). A’s pre-game live begins at 12:30 PM with full coverage of the game at 1:05 PM PT.

Next: Oakland Athletics Should Not Take Low Trade Offers For Scott Kazmir