Recap: Athletics 5, Dodgers 4 -Concerns for Dodgers Bullpen
- Updated: August 19, 2015
In last nights inter-league game between the Oakland Athletics (52-69) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (67-52) the Athletics were able to win game one of two. The worst part is that it still looks like there’s concern with the Dodgers bullpen.
Clayton Kershaw (10-6, 2.34 ERA, 7.0 IP, 7 K’s, 5 Hits, 1 ER) was pitching very well as he pitched five scoreless innings after giving up one run. Kershaw faced Athletics starting pitcher Felix Doubront (0-0, 3.98 ERA, 6.0 IP, 8 K’s, 1 Hit, 6 BB) as both pitchers received a no-decision.
Oakland was the first to score on the board as Athletics first baseman Mark Canha (4-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, K) scored as shortstop Marcus Semien (1-4, R, 2 RBI) scored to give the A’s a 1-0 lead.
In the top of the fifth inning the Dodgers managed to score. Jimmy Rollins (0-5, RBI, K) grounded out to second base as catcher A.J. Ellis (1-1, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI) scored to tie the game at 1-1.
Later on in the top of the eighth, A.J. Ellis hit a three-run home run to left field as Carl Crawford (1-1, R) and Andre Ethier (1-2, R) scored to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. One would think we could seal the deal right?
In the bottom of the eighth inning Dodgers reliever Pedro Baez (0.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits) gave up the lead as he allowed three earned runs. Bothe relievers J.P. Howell and newly acquired reliever Jim Johnson didn’t allow a run.
However the argument can be made that another reliever should of been put before Pedro Baez. Yimi Garcia (3-3, 3.63 ERA, 1.0 IP, 2 Hits, 1 K, 1 ER) (L) lost this game as Athletics DH Billy Butler (1-4, RBI, BB) hit a RBI double to right field as Mark Canha scored.
The final score was 5-4 Oakland. This afternoon at 12:35 PM PT game two will begin. Dodgers starter Alex Wood (8-7, 3.74 ERA) will face Athletics starting pitcher Jesse Chavez (6-12, 3.84 ERA) as the Dodgers look to get back on track.