Despite a challenging start to the season, the Oakland Athletics, under the persistent guidance of Manager Mark Kotsay, are finally hitting their stride, showcasing impressive wins against some of baseball's best. On Monday night, they secured their sixth consecutive victory, a season high, defeating the top-ranked Tampa Bay Rays 4-3.
Shea Langeliers' three-run double in the fifth inning proved pivotal, breaking a scoreless tie and propelling the A's forward. Ryan Noda contributed with an RBI single in the same inning, adding to the momentum gained from their recent sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. Starting pitcher James Kaprielian (2-6) delivered a strong performance, allowing only three runs and five hits over six innings, securing his second win in a row.
Kaprielian commented on the team's growing cohesion, acknowledging the initial challenges of integrating new players. He emphasized the team's talent and expressed confidence in their ability to compete with the league's best, particularly during their current hot streak.
Rookie Ken Waldichuk played a crucial role in the seventh, striking out Randy Arozarena to escape a bases-loaded jam and earning his first career save. While Jose Siri's three-run homer in the sixth marked Tampa Bay's 113th of the year, tying them with the Dodgers for the most in the majors, the Rays ultimately fell short.
The A's capitalized on a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the fifth against Zach Eflin (8-2), with Langeliers' double proving the decisive blow. This marked Eflin's first time failing to complete five innings in 13 starts, snapping his four-game winning streak. Adding to the drama, Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes was ejected in the sixth for disputing a called strike. Rays manager Kevin Cash acknowledged Paredes' frustration with the close call.
Despite entering the game having won eight of their last nine, the Rays, on their first West Coast trip of the year, couldn't overcome Oakland's surge. This victory was a stark contrast to the A's earlier series against the Rays, where they were heavily outscored and suffered two embarrassing 11-0 losses. Kotsay acknowledged the previous struggles but highlighted the team's significant improvement.
With strong performances from Kaprielian and Waldichuk, the A's are enjoying a renewed sense of optimism, amplified by a planned "reverse boycott" by fans for the upcoming Tuesday night game. The team aims to maintain their winning momentum.
On the injury front, Rays shortstop Wander Franco received a planned rest, while pitcher Pete Fairbanks made a successful rehab appearance. For the Athletics, Drew Rucinski is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a knee sprain, while Kirby Snead and Freddy Tarnok are progressing in their recovery.
Looking ahead, Hogan Harris (1-0, 6.46 ERA) is set to make his second career start for the A's on Tuesday. The Rays have yet to announce their starting pitcher.
