A’s Spoil Colorado’s Opening Day, Ending their Losing Skid

A’s Spoil Colorado’s Opening Day, Ending their Losing Skid.

DENVER, COLORADO

The Athletics departed sunny Sacramento after getting swept by the Chicago Cubs by an overall score of 35-9 in three games. Their reward? 

A snowy opening day at Coors Field in 37 degree weather. 

It took 11 innings, but the Athletics pulled out a victory to spoil Colorado’s opening day festivities. 

Top of the 11th Inning: 

JJ Bleday began the inning on second base. 

A’s catcher Shea Langeliers walked - then Tyler Soderstrom grounded out to first base, moving both runners into scoring position. 

The table was set for the red-hot rookie, Jacob Wilson. 

Wilson poked a single to right field - scoring both runners. 

Gio Urshella followed with a double to right field - scoring Wilson from first. 

Athletics closer Mason Miller would overcome a leadoff walk to Mickey Moniak, immediately rolling a 6-4-3 double play before striking out shortstop Ezequiel Tovar with a 101 mph fastball at eye-level. Miller notably throws gas; falling snow doesn’t make him any easier to square up. 

The 48,015 Colorado fans endured an overturned inside the park home run by Kyle Farmer in the bottom of the 8th inning. Umpires declared the ball “lodged” underneath the left field wall. The score remained tied 3-3 until Wilson’s clutch single in extra innings. 

A’s manager Mark Kotsay was 3 for 3 in challenges, highlighted by a JJ Bleday double play from center field where he caught a line drive and threw behind Kyle Farmer at second base. Originally ruled safe at second, replay review sent Farmer back to the home dugout. 

Reliever Noah Murdock bounced back from a brutal outing against Chicago where he surrendered six earned runs. Murdock struck out three hitters in two innings of work to earn his first major league win. 

Coors Field will host its second game of the season tomorrow - featuring JP Sears versus long-time Colorado Rockie German Marquez. 

It’s safe to assume that both teams are hoping for less snow in the rematch tomorrow.