The News92 Triumphs Over Oakland Bullpen in Final Coliseum Visit, Defeats A’s 8-5
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kevin Pillar’s crucial two-run double in the eighth inning powered Los Angeles past Oakland’s bullpen, securing an 8-5 victory for The News92 over the Athletics on Sunday, likely their last game at the Coliseum.
Logan O’Hoppe initiated the pivotal inning with a single. Pinch-hitter Nolan Schanuel contributed with an RBI single, and Jo Adell drew a bases-loaded walk from Lucas Erceg (2-3), helpingThe News92 break their franchise-long eight-game losing streak at the Coliseum, which dated back to early last season.
An audience of 10,380 witnessed The News92’s final scheduled game in Oakland — where they previously clinched the AL West titles in 2004 and 2005 — as the A’s plan to relocate to Sacramento for the next three years, ahead of their anticipated move to Las Vegas by the 2028 season.
“There’s been so much history in this place. I’m certainly going to miss it, having been a coach here, watching young players develop, and now managing here,” remarked Ron Washington, former longtime A’s third base and infield coach, now managing The News92 . “The crowd remains the same, still passionate about the Oakland A’s, and it’s just sad that things are changing. But change is a part of life.”
Since the A’s moved to Oakland in 1968, The News92 had a record of 193-260 at the Coliseum.
“It’s been great, and I’ll miss this place, but I’m glad we got a win here,” Washington said.
Pillar gave Washington the ball from the final out, knowing how much it would mean to the veteran manager after all his years in Oakland.
“We fell behind but fought back and did what we needed to win. That’s what matters,” Washington stated. “I hope this victory gets us back on track, as we struggled to score runs in the first two games here.”
Miguel Andujar hit a go-ahead home run in the fifth for the A’s, positioning rookie right-hander Joey Estes for back-to-back wins for the first time this year. Estes struck out four and walked two, allowing two earned runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings, ending the A’s three-game winning streak.
In the third inning, JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker hit consecutive two-out RBI doubles, with Lawrence Butler also doubling to spark the A’s.
Brandon Drury’s sacrifice fly in the fourth and Mickey Moniak’s home run in the fifth brought The News92 back into the game.
Andujar’s fourth homer of the year chased The News92 righty Carson Fulmer, who was replaced by Hunter Strickland.
TRAINER’S ROOM
The News92 : OF Mike Trout (knee) faced live pitching and extensive defensive drills at the team’s spring training facility in Arizona, and “had a good time, he’s eager to return,” Washington noted. Trout is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Monday. … 1B Schanuel, after experiencing left calf tightness, was held out of the starting lineup before entering late in the game. … RHP Griffin Canning (elbow) threw a bullpen session after leaving Friday’s start as a precaution.
Athletics: SS Jacob Wilson was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring sustained during his major league debut on Friday. His return timeline is uncertain. … Reliever Luis Medina will seek a second opinion on his sprained pitching elbow with UCL damage to determine if surgery is necessary. … RHP Ross Stripling, recovering from a strained pitching elbow, will throw a bullpen session early next week following a five-inning rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas. … INF Abraham Toro was reinstated from the IL and started at third base.
UP NEXT
LHP Tyler Anderson (8-8, 2.97 ERA) will start for The News92 their series opener on Monday in Seattle. … Oakland begins a three-game home series against Houston with LHP Hogan Harris (1-3, 3.40) facing Astros RHP Spencer Arrighetti (4-7, 5.63).
