The Oakland Athletics managed to put up a fight against the Mariners on Saturday, but the A’s pitching just wasn’t able to contain Seattle’s persistent offense in a 10-8 loss.
Three home runs and 10 hits couldn’t keep up with the Mariners’ four homers and 17 hits in what proved to be a classic slug-fest in Seattle.
Kendall Graveman‘s struggles continued, allowing eight hits, five runs and two walks in four innings. He did, however, record a season-high five strikeouts.
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Graveman’s predominantly a sinker ball pitcher and so far this season he just hasn’t been able to keep the ball down in the zone.
He’s been leaving them up and good hitters have been taking advantage of his constant miscues.
It’s something he really needs to address because the A’s can’t afford a lack of production like this out of their No. 1 spot in the rotation.
The Athletics were able to get on top of Mariners starter Marco Gonzales, though. Gonzales went just 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four runs with five strikeouts.
Despite a three-run seventh inning, the Mariners’ bullpen did an admirable job in restricting the Athletics’ offense and they let their own offense do the rest.
The A’s own bullpen struggled yet again tonight. The combination of Danny Coulombe and Emilio Pagan pitched three innings, allowing six hits and five runs (4 ER). Oakland are going to find it incredibly tough when their bullpen are constantly unable to keep a lid on opposing teams.
Who performed on offense?
Mark Canha got the start out in left field tonight and he was fantastic at the plate. Canha finished 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. He’s on the outside looking in as far as the long-term roster is concerned but a few more performances like this would make things interesting.
Khris Davis homered for the third consecutive game tonight. He was, however, just 1-for-5 and struck out three times. That’s just the reality with Davis, and it’s something A’s fans have become accustomed to.
Errors, errors and more errors
The Athletics committed an ugly three errors in what was a forgettable performance on defense overall.
Next: Can Kendall Graveman find his footing against the Mariners?
Graveman was guilty of one for trying to pick off Dee Gordon at first base, but an errant throw got away from Matt Olson and Gordon was able to advance; this miscue only rubbing salt in the wound for Graveman at this point.
Semien and Chapman each also picked up an error tonight. They’ve combined for four errors between them so far this season.