Oakland Athletics Recap: A’s Comeback Falls Short, Lose to Los Angeles Angels

On Tuesday, the Oakland Athletics played the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Kendall Graveman took the mound for the A’s while Hector Santiago started for the Angels. Despite a late inning comeback, the Athletics fell to Los Angeles 6-5.

The Highlights

Graveman struggled slightly during today’s outing. Despite lasting 5.1 innings, he gave up four earned runs, including a home run. His ERA for this spring is now 6.75. Even though Graveman’s outing was lackluster, he did tell the press that he was happy with his changeup during the game.

The real excitement came in the seventh inning when the Athletics made their comeback. Trailing 2-4 going into the seventh, Oakland’s bats started to heat up. With prospect Matt Chapman and outfielder Andrew Lambo on base, veteran infielder Jed Lowrie smacked a triple to right field, allowing both Chapman and Lambo to score. With pinch runner Wade Kirkland on third for Lowrie, Vogt drove Kirkland home with a single to center. The A’s ended the seventh leading the Angels 5-4.

Unfortunately, Oakland’s comeback would not hold against Los Angeles’ power bats. Geovany Soto hit a solo home run in the eighth to tie up the game. Then, with the bases loaded in the ninth, A’s pitcher Seth Frankoff walked in a run for the Angels. The A’s were unable to score in the bottom of the ninth and left Tempe with the loss.

The Now

Danny Valencia’s bat has been on fire lately. In the past seven games, Valencia has hit five home runs including one during Tuesday’s game. For spring, he is batting .379/.419/.897 with a 1.316 OPS. If his bat can get this hot during the regular season, Valencia will be a great third baseman offensively for Oakland.

Oakland Athletics’ starting catcher Stephen Vogt told the press that he is frustrated with his surgically repaired elbow. Vogt underwent surgery on his right elbow just weeks prior to catchers and pitchers reporting to spring training. In an article by John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group, Vogt believes his arm is not up to par at the moment, but it will hopefully be 100 percent by Opening Day.

The Future

Yes, prospect Matt Chapman is still at the A’s big league camp. Yes, he is still performing extremely well. During Tuesday’s game, Chapman came into the game to pinch run for Valencia in the seventh inning. Even though he only had one at-bat, he was able to draw a walk and ultimately score on Lowrie’s triple. Chapman has been impressive during camp this spring, proving that he will be a great third baseman for the Athletics in the near future.

Next: Will A's Starter Jarrod Parker Return?

Rookie reliever Ryan Dull proved once again why he deserves a spot in the A’s bullpen this upcoming season. Dull came into the fifth inning with men on second and first, and only one out. He was able to get out of the jam by making the next two batters pop out to first and third. He went on to pitch a scoreless sixth, getting two groundouts and a strike out. Dull has yet to allow a run this spring and has only given up a total of two hits.

Wednesday night’s game at the Seattle Mariner’s Peoria Sport Complex will feature A’s starter Jesse Hahn and Mariner’s righty Nate Karns. First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m. PT.