A’s come out on top of Astros 3-1

Finally a win against these guys

The Athletics

Oaklnd got the scoring started today, something that has been rare recently. After a 1-2-3 inning from JP Sears (which included a HBP but also a double play), the bats got to work against Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti. Facing the young right-hander, the first two A’s got on base for DH Brent Rooker. And all he did was drive in both with a double down the left field line:

That gave Sears an early lead with which to work with. That’s not something he’s had a lot of this year. He made the most of it, firing off six innings of 1-run ball. He didn’t rack up the strikeouts (1), but he only allowed two hits and a walk, and the one run he did allow was unearned because of a Max Shuemann error. Overall another brilliant day from Spears, who isn’t going to be flashy but he consistently gets the job done.

Oakland added on an extra insurance run in the sixth when outfielder Daz Cameron swatted an RBI single to extend the lead to 3-1:

The former top prospect is making the most of his time with the club so far. It’s early but he’s hitting .375 with a home run. Hopefully he can keep this type of pace up. He always had huge potential coming up through the minors.

Sears finished his day after six innings and just 68 pitches. He probably had more in the tank but best not to test these things. Righty Austin Adams took over for Sears to begin the seventh and recorded an out before an injury forced him out of the game. He’s been one of the more reliable pitchers in the Athletics bullpen so hold your breath it’s not a big issue. Fellow right Lucas Erceg came in and finished up the inning, but not without a little bit of help from his third baseman:

First with the bat and now with the glove? The Toro signing is working out beautifully for the club up to this point.

Then it was lefty Scott Alexander’s turn to finish off the eighth for Erceg. He did his job to perfection, shutting down the Astros and stranding a runner in scoring position,

Then it was Miller Time. With a 3-1 lead Miller did what he does best: rack up the strikeouts. Facing some of the tougher members of the Houston lineup, Miller struck out the side to secure his 13th save and the win for the Athletics.

Finally! After losing the first five games of the year against these guys the club finally breaks through with a win at the w Coliseum. Sears was terrific over six solid innings, the bullpen did its job yet again, Millrr is still dominant and the club has a chance at a series win tomorrow afternoon.

The Athletics will be sending out journeyman veteran Aaron Brooks for the series finale tomorrow afternoon. He’ll be opposed by young Astros stud Ronel Blano. Doesn’t a series sweep sound nice?