A’s Edge Out Redbirds in Early Season Duel
The A’s, coming off a tough opening day loss, looked to rebound tonight in the early tilt at Hazel Park against the always dangerous Redbirds. Tyler Frankhouse (Frank, henceforth), got the start tonight and he took the Redbirds to task - going all 7 in a GC/SO effort, backed up by an error-free performance by the A’s fielders, Frank worked his way masterfully thru the heart Redbirds lineup three times and managed to get out of a few sticky jams all while keeping his heart rate below 70.
The pressure was on the A’s bats to deliver even just 1 run for Frank, and that came in the 5th inning off A’s rookie Brendan as he hit a beautiful sac fly to right to plate Najor, who had been advanced to third on some timely bat-on-ball hitting from the A’s. Other than that, the A’s bats were stifled, but remained relatively strikeout free - putting a lot of balls in play, but for routine outs.
Historically, the A’s in the early season don’t win those games, so getting that one is a great boost for the clubhouse. The A’s get back to work on Monday against the Yankees.
Player of the Game: Frank - a really special performance tonight
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