FanPost

Spring Game #16: A’s Rally Falls Short after Barreto’s Moonshot

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Franklin Barreto’s three run shot and Wade Kirkland’s RBI single in the top of the 9th wasn’t enough to rally past a potent Indians lineup Friday afternoon in an 8- 10 loss at Goodyear Park. It was a Joey Butler grand slam off of A’s right hander Seth Frankoff that put the exclamation point on a thunderous 8 run 5th inning, and it was relievers RJ Alvarez and Frankoff that lead the charge.

After a rough first inning, Jesse Hahn regained the form that made the A’s feel confident in trading for him last season. He worked four innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out five. Hahn appeared to fall into his old habits at first, serving up an RBI double to Jose Ramirez and a sacrifice fly to Mike Napoli to knot the game up at 2, but he quickly settled down to retire nine of his next twelve batters.

Bullpen Blunders

Alvarez was lifted after back to back walks and a hit batsman, leaving the bases loaded for Frankoff, who after another hit batsman, allowed back to back hits to Robbie Grossman and Will Venable, setting the table for Butler’s center field blast . Both Alvarez and Frankoff split the damage, each being charged with four earned runs in the frame. Both have spring ERAs above 14.00.

A's Out Hit Tribe, but Can’t Capitalize

Nearly every player in the A’s starting line up was able to make hard contact off of Indian’s starter Josh Tomlin, who left in the middle of the fourth inning surrendering three earned runs on ten hits to go with three strikeouts. Both Lambo and Canha finished 2 for 3, with 2 RBI's and a run between them, while Eric Sogard hit an RBI double in the second. Josh Phegley sent a towering solo shot to A’s left field giving the A’s a 4-2 lead in the top of the 5th. Meanwhile Sam Fuld, Chris Coghlan, Yonder Alonso and Max Muncy would all be stranded after reaching base safely. It wasn't until Franklin Barreto’s three run moon shot off of Felipe Paulino and Wade Kirkland’s RBI single off of Jarrett Grube in the top of the 9th that the A’s would be able to plate another run, but the damage had already been done.

Next for the A’s:

The A's will look to get back to .500 behind ace Sonny Gray, who takes the mound against Rasiel Iglesias and the Cincinnati Reds at 1:05 p.m. PST at Hohokam Stadium. The A’s Opening Day starter will be upping his pitch count, as he looks to work off of his solid effort against the San Francisco Giants.

Revisit the Game Thread here!