Oakland Athletics Recap 4/11/2016: A’s Shut Down By Angels 4-1
The Oakland Athletics fell to the Angels tonight, 4-1. Sonny Gray did pitch 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs, but none until the sixth inning. Ryan Dull continues his scoreless streak, pitching in two-thirds of an inning and striking out Mike Trout (who homered off of Gray in the sixth inning). Nick Tropeano pitched in five innings and got the win for the Angels, and Huston Street received a one-out save.
The A’s hit ten hits tonight, matching the number the Angels put up, but left nine runners on base. Josh Reddick had a double and Coco Crisp hit a triple against Tropeano. The lone Athletics run came when, with Jed Lowrie on second base, Marcus Semien singled to right field of the set-up man, Joe Smith, in the 9th inning, necessitating a play at the plate. Kole Calhoun, reigning Gold Glove winner, threw a strike to the plate but Lowrie was able to beat the throw. The A’s were 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.
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The A’s had no errors in defense today, a blessing in disguise given the A’s loss. In fact, the A’s were able to turn two 4-6-3 double plays, though they also hit into two double plays. Though this may not be sustainable, it is a nice development for the A’s, who recently won MLB.com’s “Bullpen of the Week” award.
Each player in the lineup tonight was able to score a hit with the exception of the DH position (neither Chris Coghlan nor Billy Butler could get a hit) and the first baseman, Yonder Alonso. But the star offensively was Coco Crisp, who hit a single in addition to the aforementioned triple. Crisp has in fact been solid as of late for the A’s albeit serving in a utility outfield role. In the past week, Crisp has served as pinch-runner and pinch-hitter, and has filled the lineup as a left fielder, center fielder, and designated hitter. He is in the middle of a three-game hitting streak including the game-winning home run from Sunday’s game against the Mariners. He may continue to be in the lineup against right handers as Billy Butler will sit against righties.
Next: Jed Lowrie's Production Is Pleasantly Surprising
The Athletics will play the second game of a three game series against the Angels tomorrow. Kendall Graveman pitches for the Athletics against 2015 All-Star Hector Santiago. First pitch is at 7:05 PST.