Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY DANIEL GLUSKOTER
Richie Palacios two-run pinch hit double in the ninth inning propelled the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-1 victory over the Athletics Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum.
A’s starter Cole Irvin and Shane Bieber matched up in the pitchers duel with Sheldon Neuse’s fifth inning solo homer providing the only run Oakland could muster off the 2020 Cy Young Award winner just hours after the two teams combined for 17 runs Friday night.
Oakland’s Sheldon Neuse is congratulated at home plate by Billy McKinney following his fifth inning home run during the A’s 3-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians Saturday afternoon.
Palacios game winning hit came just two batters after a costly fielding error by Athletics rookie second baseman Nick Allen. An out after leadoff batter Owen Miller singled, Allen bobbled Oscar Mercado’s potential double play grounder, putting runners at first and second. Following a fielders choice, Palacios drive to deep left off of A’s closer Dany Jimenez plated the two runs that proved decisive, giving the Guardians their second straight win following a seven game losing streak. The A’s have now committed at least one error in nine of their last 10 games.
Irvin only allowed the one run in six innings while striking out four, inducing three double-plays while lowering his ERA to 2.93. Bieber faired just slightly better, allowing seven hits in seven innings while striking out seven to reduce his ERA to 2.45.
Oakland’s Cole Irvin delivers a pitch Saturday afternoon against the Guardians. Irvin went six innings, only allowing one run while scattering six hits, but Cleveland scored a 3-1 victory over the A’s.
“Big performance by Cole,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay. “He pitched out of trouble. I’m really happy with how he managed the game and got us into the sixth inning. Overall, the starting pitching is getting us deep into games with a chance to win.”
The two teams will return to the field for the conclusion of the three-game series Sunday afternoon at 1:05PM with Triston McKenzie (0-2, 3.71) taking the mound for Cleveland against the A’s James Kaprielian, who’s scheduled to make his season debut.
GAME NOTE:
On this date in 2005 Athletics manager Mark Kotsay tied an Oakland record with five hits, including the game winning RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning of the A’s 6-5 win over the Seattle Mariners.
