Athletics Ride Civale's Gem and Rooker's Blast to Victory Over Orioles
A three-run homer by Brent Rooker and five scoreless innings from starter Aaron Civale powered the Athletics to a win, extending the Orioles' recent slump.
OAKLAND JUMPS OUT EARLY
The Athletics built an early lead, starting with a run in the first inning. Nick Kurtz doubled and came around to score on a single by Shea Langeliers.
ROOKER BREAKS THE GAME OPEN
The decisive blow came in the third inning. Brent Rooker crushed a three-run home run, extending the Athletics' lead to 4-0.
ATHLETICS EXTEND LEAD
Oakland continued to add on in the fifth. Kurtz delivered his second double of the game, stole third base, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Langeliers, pushing the lead to 5-0.
ORIOLES STAGE LATE RALLY, FALL SHORT
Baltimore finally got on the board in the eighth inning. Pinch-hitter Colton Cowser delivered a two-run single, cutting the deficit to three runs. However, the Athletics answered in the ninth when Colby Thomas drove in the final run to seal the victory.
PITCHING MATCHUP DETAILS
Pitcher Team IP R K BB Aaron Civale (4-1) Athletics 5.0 0 4 2 Shane Baz (1-4) Orioles 4.2 5 4 3- Shane Baz was issued a pitch clock violation that resulted in a ball four to Brent Rooker in the fifth inning.
- Baltimore's bullpen was effective in relief, allowing just one run over 4.1 innings.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Nick Kurtz continues his remarkable season, doubling twice and extending his on-base streak to 33 consecutive games.
- Jacob Wilson unsuccessfully challenged called third strikes in both the second and third innings, leaving the Athletics without any further Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system reviews for the game.
BACKGROUND & UPCOMING SERIES FINALE
- Shane Baz, Baltimore's marquee offseason pitching acquisition (signed a five-year, $68 million contract), has struggled this season. In eight starts, he now holds a 5.48 ERA. The Orioles have now lost eight of their last ten games.
- The Athletics will go for a three-game sweep on Sunday. Right-hander Luis Severino (2-3, 4.15 ERA) takes the mound for Oakland, while Chris Bassitt (2-2, 5.91 ERA) starts for Baltimore.