OAK 9, LAA 13: Athletics can’t contain Angels’ offense

The Oakland Athletics set a new season-high in runs scored with nine on Friday night, but they were unable to contain the Angels’ offense in a 13-9 loss in Anaheim.

The Athletics jumped on Angels starter Parker Bridwell early. Jed Lowrie homered in the first inning and the A’s followed that up with five runs in the second; Matt Joyce and Marcus Semien both going deep.

Bridwell was promptly pulled from the game after 1 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits (3 HR) and six earned runs. Bridwell struggled against the Athletics last season, giving up 13 runs over six innings (two starts); tonight’s rough outing only adding to his woes against Oakland.

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Daniel Gossett wasn’t much better for the Athletics. He was pulled after 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, five runs and striking out three. Gossett pitched fairly well through three innings, but lost his command of the strikezone completely in the fourth and was hit all over the place.

According to Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle, Gossett will be sent down to Nashville on Saturday to make way for the newly acquired Trayce Thompson. The A’s plan to use a four-man starting rotation with two off days next week and Gossett is the odd man out. He’s likely to spend extended time down in Nashville, with RHP Trevor Cahill the favorite to take over the fifth spot in the rotation.

Matt Chapman extended his hitting streak to eight games tonight. He also homered for the third time this season, a two-run shot to center field. Chapman’s two hits tonight led to his fifth straight multi-hit game.

The young third baseman made some spectacular plays tonight, sending fans on Twitter into a frenzy of ‘gold glover’ tweets. However he made a costly throwing error with two outs in the seventh inning, eventually leading to a three-run shot by Justin Upton and essentially sealing the deal for LA.

Jed Lowrie was effective at the plate again, going 3-for-5 with a home run. He’s now hitting .351 on the season.

Boog Powell snapped his 0-for-15 streak coming into tonight’s game, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Powell got banged up on a fly ball off the center field wall but stayed in the game. As of now there’s no injury to report, but we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow.

The Athletics used six relievers tonight, and with Andrew Triggs on the bump tomorrow they’ll be hoping he can stay out there for an extended period of time. The off-day on Monday can’t come soon enough for the relievers.

Next: Athletics claim OF Trayce Thompson off waivers

Thompson to wear No. 32

Outfielder Trayce Thompson is expected to join the team in Anaheim on Saturday, and he’ll be wearing No. 32 for the A’s when he does. The last player to wear No. 32 for the Athletics was RHP Jesse Hahn.

Chad Pinder is dealing with a knee issue which could open up a temporary spot in the lineup for Thompson. We’ll see how Pinder feels tomorrow, though.

Dull back in Oakland soon?

A’s reliever Ryan Dull pitched two innings on his rehab assignment in Nashville, allowing three hits, one run, a walk and striking out one. There’s no official timetable for his return to Oakland but he’s certainly getting closer. Getting Dull back in the bullpen would be a big boost for the team, especially considering A’s relievers have been called upon frequently so far this season.