Positive and negative takeaways from Oakland A’s series loss to Yanks

The Oakland A’s traveled to the Bronx on Friday looking to continue what was a dominant streak in the month of June against the New York Yankees. After a 5-3 victory in game one, it appeared that they were going to pick up right where they left off.

However, blown leads and a game ending triple-play contributed to the first back to back losses for the A’s since May 30th-31st.

Oakland A’s blow leads in back to back games to lose series

Games two and three both saw the A’s take leads early. Game two saw early dingers from Tony Kemp and Matt Chapman, while Matt Olson and Ramon Laureano both contributing RBI singles later on. After amassing a four run lead by the top of the fifth inning, a late surge of offensive firepower in the ensuing innings by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela closed the door on a 7-5 Yankees victory.

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Game three saw the A’s completely shut down offensively by Yankees’ starter Jordan Montgomery, and the series put to bed behind a strong New York bullpen performance. Scoring just one run off of a solo shot from Matt Olson in the first inning, the A’s failed to capitalize on what was otherwise a dominant performance from Sean Manaea.

The positive takeaways: Olson continued to push the case for his first All Star appearance. He is now batting a steady .305, with a .381 OBP an OPS of .998, all while mashing 20 home runs and driving in 53. Sean Manaea pitched five and one third innings, allowing just three hits, two earned runs, one walk and recorded a career high 11 strikeouts.

The negative takeaways: The A’s no longer have a commanding lead in the American League West. The Astros have won seven straight, and are now tied with Oakland for first place in the division. Houston (43-28) and Oakland (44-29) are now neck and neck after Oakland had a 2.5 game lead prior to their series in New York. Seattle (38-36) is also quietly heating up after a four game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Oakland A’s will look to bounce back tonight in the first game of a four game set against the Rangers in Arlington.