In a much-needed victory, Zack Gelof broke his three-week home run drought, helping the Oakland Athletics snap their nine-game losing streak with a 7-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. JJ Bleday also had an impressive performance, hitting a career-high three doubles and driving in two runs, while Miguel Andujar contributed with two hits. This win comes as a relief for the last-place A’s, who currently hold the fourth-worst record in the majors at 27-48.
Before the game, a moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to the legendary Willie Mays, who passed away earlier in the day. Mays, a Hall of Fame center fielder, had his final hit in the 1973 World Series at the Oakland Coliseum. The significance of this tribute added an emotional touch to the game.
Despite the loss, the Royals saw a standout performance from Nick Loftin, who hit his first career home run and drove in three RBIs. However, Gelof’s offensive resurgence proved to be the turning point for the Athletics. Gelof, who had been struggling with a 5-for-30 slump, not only scored a run in the first inning but also delivered a crucial three-run homer in the fourth inning off Royals’ starter Alec Marsh. Pitcher Hogan Harris played a vital role in securing the win, pitching five uneven innings and allowing only one earned run. The Royals made a late push in the eighth inning, scoring two runs off Lucas Erceg, but Scott Alexander and Mason Miller shut down their rally to secure the victory for the A’s.
Cole Ragans, with a record of 4-4 and an ERA of 3.14, is scheduled to pitch for the Royals on Wednesday. He will be going up against Luis Medina, who has a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 5.87, representing the Athletics. The game will commence at 8:40 p.m., preceded by pregame coverage starting at 8:00 p.m. on Classic Hits KQNK 106.7 FM, 102.5 FM, and 1530 AM.
