The Athletics narrowly edged out the Royals with a 4–3 victory at Sutter Health Park, improving their record to 75-84. With this win, the Athletics remain 4th in the AL West, while the Royals, now at 80-79, hold the 3rd spot in the AL Central.
In a game that saw both teams score all their runs in just two innings, the Athletics capitalized on their opportunities late in the game. Despite the hot weather, which was a sweltering 100 degrees, the Athletics kept their cool under pressure.
Athletics’ Determined Play
Justin Sterner picked up the win for the Athletics, moving his record to 3-3 with a 3.25 ERA. The Royals’ Luinder Avila, with a previously impressive 0.71 ERA, was tagged with the loss, marking his first defeat of the season.
Shea Langeliers and James Wilson were the key contributors in the Athletics lineup. Langeliers, hitting .271, notched two hits, including a double, while Wilson drove in three runs with his one hit, a double as well.
Although the Athletics had eight hits, it was their ability to make the most of those opportunities that proved pivotal. They scored three runs in the fifth inning and clinched the game-winning run in the ninth.
Royals’ Early Surge
The Royals put up their three runs in the fourth inning, thanks to a three-run homer by Jonathan India. India’s performance was a highlight for the Royals, as he went 1-for-3 with a walk, raising his average to .233.
Mauricio Garcia, who had one of the four hits for the Royals, also played a significant role in the fourth inning rally. However, the Royals’ bats went silent for the remainder of the game, managing just four hits total.
Kansas City’s pitching staff, despite a solid start from Nathan Cameron, could not hold off the Athletics late-game push. Cameron, with a 2.90 ERA, allowed three runs over 4.67 innings with six strikeouts.
Pitching and Defense Shine
On the Athletics side, Mason Barnett started on the mound, pitching 5.67 innings and allowing three runs while striking out three. His ERA now stands at 7.56.
Hogan Harris and Justin Sterner combined for 3.33 innings of scoreless relief, with Harris striking out two batters in his two innings. The Athletics’ defense also held firm, committing no errors throughout the contest.
For the Royals, the bullpen delivered a mixed performance. While Clarke, Bowlan, and Zerpa kept the Athletics in check through the middle innings, Avila’s entrance in the ninth inning saw the Athletics take the lead.
Season Implications
This victory adds momentum to the Athletics as they head into the final games of the season. Their upcoming matches against the Royals provide another chance to secure wins in front of their home crowd at Sutter Health Park.
As for the Royals, this loss keeps them hovering near the .500 mark as they look to finish strong. With upcoming games still against the Athletics, they’ll have a chance for redemption and an opportunity to improve their road record.
Both teams will need to sharpen their performances as they wind down the regular season, aiming to end on a positive note. For now, the Athletics celebrate a hard-earned victory on a scorching evening in Sacramento.
