Shane Bieber was masterful last night, going 6 innings with just 4 hits, 0 runs, and 11 strikeouts as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Oakland Athletics 8-0.
The A's didn't manage to get a runner past second base all night. The best opportunity they had came in the 5th inning, when Lawrence Butler drew a walk and got thrown out trying to go first to third on a Nick Allen single to right to end the inning.
JJ Bleday doubled off Bieber in the 6th but Brent Rooker flied out one batter later, and the Athletics didn't manage to get another runner on base the rest of the night. Guardians' relievers Eli Morgan, Tim Herrin, and Nick Sandlin combined to throw three perfect innings to close out the A's.
Alex Wood was strong through the first three innings. He allowed back to back doubles in the second as the Guardians went up 1-0, but went 1-2-3 in both the first and third innings.
He found trouble in the fourth, however. After getting Ramon Laureano to fly out to right for the first out of the inning, Wood went the next 6 batters without getting an out. He hit Tyler Freeman to load the bases and Andres Gimenez singled in a run.
Austin Hedges hit a ground ball that would have been a great play by Nick Allen, but his throw dragged Ryan Noda just off first base. Hedges ran into Noda's glove and the ball popped loose, allowing two runs to score.
After Brayan Rocchio doubled in two more, Mark Kotsay had seen enough and brought in Kyle Muller, who was sharp for 2.2 innings. TJ McFarland pitched a scoreless 7th but Michael Kelly allowed two more runs in the top of the ninth.
All around, it was a dismal Opening Day for the Athletics. The fan boycott out in the parking lot went well, with thousands of fans lined up and taking part in "sell the team" chants and more. The boycott was peaceful and has been deemed a success by all but John Fisher and his executive team.
The Athletics will get back to it tonight in the second of a four game set against the Guardians. Ross Stripling will take the mound for the A's, while Logan Allen will toe the rubber for Cleveland. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm PST and will be available for free streaming on MLB.tv. You can also watch on NBCSCA and listen on 103.7 and A's Cast.