OAKLAND, Calif.– An AL West title will imply a lot more than simply clinching a playoff berth given how the previous 2 seasons have actually chosen the Oakland Athletics.
The As might let loose and commemorate a little. But not right now.
They protected a third straight playoff berth with Seattles loss to San Diego and a 6-0 win against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night, highlighted by Matt Olsons three-run homer.
Interesting, but winning the division I think is going to be a lot better for us,” winning pitcher Chris Bassitt stated. “It was actually another win.
The As scoreboard checked out “Postseason Bound” high above the cardboard cutouts of fans filling the Oakland Coliseum.
Oakland remains in the playoffs for the sixth time in nine seasons and now shifts its attention to the department title, which could be locked up Saturday. The As have not won the West because 2013, winning 97 video games each of the previous 2 seasons to finish in 2nd place behind Houston and before losing the AL wild-card video game both years.
Olson connected in the 3rd inning of a well balanced offensive attack for the As in the opener of the second round of the 2020 Bay Bridge Series.
Jake Lambs RBI single in the very first staked Bassitt to a fast lead. The right-hander set out seven over 6 2/3 innings to win his 3rd straight start.
” Hes been absolutely great,” manager Bob Melvin said, “probably as constant as weve had all year.”.
Tommy La Stella and Marcus Semien likewise singled in runs for the As, who lastly got a day off Thursday following a difficult stretch with 16 video games in 13 days with 3 doubleheaders.
San Francisco barely had to take a trip far to continue its roadway journey. The Giants were scheduled for games in Seattle previously this week however smoke from all the West Coast wildfires created harmful air quality and the clubs rather played at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wednesday and Thursday.. The As played a Monday doubleheader in Seattle, and players revealed issue about the air.
” The air quality is better than we last saw it here, it certainly is much better than Seattle, too,” Melvin stated.
Right fielder Stephen Piscotty missed his 4th straight game because of a sprained right knee. The As were going to put him through batting practice to determine his status for Saturday.
Right-hander Daniel Mengden was clinically cleared from a positive COVID-19 test Aug. 28. He has been asymptomatic throughout and resumed shaking off the mound at the clubs San Jose alternate website Friday. He is slated for a simulated game Saturday.
Left-hander Jesus Luzardo starts for the As on Saturday afternoon, wanting to end a four-start winless stretch in which he is 0-2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
” Clinching the playoffs is the goal every single year. Amazing, but winning the department I believe is going to be a lot much better for us,” winning pitcher Chris Bassitt stated. “It was actually another win. The Giants were scheduled for games in Seattle earlier this week however smoke from all the West Coast wildfires produced dangerous air quality and the clubs rather played at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wednesday and Thursday. He is slated for a simulated video game Saturday.
