Baltimore Orioles lose to Oakland Athletics 2-3 in series opener – MLB Update
Baltimore Orioles lost to the Oakland Athletics in a nail biting encounter 2-3 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California on Friday, September 14 in the opening game of their three match series.
Orioles’ Manager Buck Showalter will be disappointed with the outcome of the game. Baltimore had a large number of opportunities to establish complete control over the contest.
Lack of concentration resulted in disaster for them as they missed out on an excellent opening to reclaim the Number one status on the American League East Division standings table. It will be interesting to see if the Orioles can turn the tables on the
A’s in Game 2 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Starting pitcher Joe Saunders pitched with great control and accuracy as he gave up just seven hits and three runs in six solid innings. Striking-out six batters, he looked on top of his game but the Orioles were unable to score enough runs on Friday.
"I know it was a big pick-me-up for everybody to see him," manager Bob Melvin said.
"We're fighting for the same goal and they made some good pitches when they needed," Mark Reynolds said. "They got us to ground into some double plays. It's frustrating."
"He felt it grab again. He's really down," manager Buck Showalter said. "I don't like our chances of getting him back this year."
A’s starter Tommy Milone grabbed his 13th win of the season after giving up six hits and two runs in just over six innings. Relief pitcher Grant Balfour earned his 18th save of the year after he pitched a scoreless ninth.
"It's huge," Milone said. "It's momentum killers for them."
"I'm going to rest after we get a championship," Yoenis Cespedes said. "I'm going to be in the lineup every day."
J.J. Hardy provided the Orioles with a perfect start as he reached first base safely on a throwing error in the third inning. Chris Davis homered to centre in the fifth inning to level the score 2-2. Oakland used the home conditions brilliantly. Jonny Gomes
restored A’s one run lead in the fifth, which lasted until the end of the contest.
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