Oakland Athletics Hold Off Ranger’s Perfecto Bid
By Mark Sigmon
As an Oakland Athletics fan, I was a little perturbed when Max Muncy laid down a bunt in the bottom of the sixth. Colby Lewis had a perfect game at that point.
As an Oakland Athletics fan, I REALLY did not want to see Colby Lewis throw a perfect game, but I did not want to see the perfect game lost to a misplay on a bunt. At the time, it was a 0-0 game, so Muncy could rationalize his choice as getting a baserunner on board.
Yes, it was a valid attempt at getting on base, but I would have been enormously perturbed if a batter had tried to do that to Dallas Braden back in 2010. Personally, I was so gratified when Muncy doubled down the right field line to break up the no-hitter. Later, Muncy would score on a double by Coco Crisp to deny the shutout.
As a writer who had recently doubted Texas’ starting pitching, I was glad that Lewis walked Yonder Alonso on four pitches in the bottom of the eighth. At that point, the Rangers had a five-run lead. A walk would have been no big deal, but Alonso was the A’s first baserunner of the game. Later. Muncy would beak up the no-hitter in the ninth. The Oakland Athletics even managed to avoid a shutout.
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Lewis threw a tremendous game for the Rangers, but that should not detract from the amazing effort of Daniel Mengden. Mengden gave up a hit to Adrian Beltre in the second inning. Outside of that, fans might have seen a double no-hitter.
This is just my opinion, but Mengden vs. one of the best lineups in the American League is far more impressive than Lewis mowing down a weak-hitting Oakland Athletics lineup. Just my opinion!
Mengden was nothing short of brilliant against one of the best hitting line-ups in the American League. I wish Rich Hill was 100% healthy, and I am looking forward to Henderson Alvarez starting for the Oakland Athletics. Nevertheless, Mengden has proven himself a viable major league pitcher.
Mengden has superior control, and he made great pitches when he needed great pitches. Migden struck out five straight batters in the fourth and the fifth innings. A’s fans have not seen a pitcher with a handlebar mustache this effective since Rollie Fingers. Mengden has the potential to be an ace in the rotation. Mengden and Sean Manaea have been very pleasant surprises this year.
Ryan Dull came into the game in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and one out. Dull has not allowed an inherited runner to score in 2016. It seemed that Dull’s streak was endangered, but he came through with two tough strikeouts to keep his streak intact. Later relievers would give up three more runs.
Dull came in with the bases loaded and shut down the opposition. Dull is going to be a star. For A’s fans who are feeling suicidal…Mengden and Manaea seem as though they will be mainstays in the rotation for some years to come. Dull has closer potential. The present is still pretty bleak, but the future looks so bright, A’s fans should wear shades.
Next: Trade Deadline Looming, A's Fans Deserve More
The California Angels of Los Angeles and Anaheim or whatever…the Angels are coming to town with their $177 million dollar payroll come to town. It almost seems like a battle between the past and the future. Hopefully, the A’s young talent will come through over the weekend.