On Tuesday night, the Oakland Athletics secured a 5-4 victory against the Cincinnati Reds with the help of two crucial two-run homers in the seventh inning by Max Schuemann and Lawrence Butler. Zack Gelof added another solo home run in the eighth inning, contributing to the team’s success. Despite a challenging ninth inning where closer Mason Miller conceded two runs, including four hits, he managed to secure the win by striking out pinch-hitter Amed Rosario for his 22nd save with runners at second and third.
Oakland initially struggled with just one hit through six innings, trailing 1-0, before mounting a comeback to hand the Reds their ninth consecutive loss against interleague opponents. Mitch Spence, the A’s starter, allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings, with relief pitcher Michel Otañez (1-0) earning his first major league win after getting two crucial outs in the sixth inning.
The Reds, dealing with five starting pitchers on the injured list, leaned heavily on their bullpen in the game. Jakob Junis, making his fourth start of the season and first with the Reds, retired all 12 batters he faced with three strikeouts after being acquired from the Brewers.
Schuemann kick-started the A’s offense by hitting a two-run homer in the seventh inning off Tony Santillan (1-2), followed by Butler’s 15th homer. Gelof added to the lead with his 16th home run in the eighth inning. Despite the late efforts from the Reds in the ninth inning, the A’s emerged victorious.
In injury updates, Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics, suffering from a left wrist bone bruise, has started hitting again and may begin a rehab assignment soon. Meanwhile, the Reds placed Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list due to a left middle finger strain, and other players, including LHP Brandon Williamson and OF Stuart Fairchild, were also affected by injuries.
The next game will see Oakland’s Osvaldo Bido (5-3, 3.24 ERA) on the mound, while the Reds are yet to announce their starting pitcher. Bido, who boasts a 3-0 record with a 0.53 ERA in his last three starts, will look to continue his impressive form in the upcoming game.