Game #42: Emotional Piscotty Homer Powers A’s to 5-3 Victory

***Click here to revisit today’s Game Thread***

Just under 35,000 fans stuck around through a 94 minute weather delay to see the A’s win the series’ second game. After a lot of rain-induced waiting, the A’s got off to a fast start. Marcus Semien and Chad Pinder both singled to lead off the game, and despite the next two batters making outs, the A’s got their first two-out, two-run double of the night, this one from Matt Chapman.

Daniel Mengden turned in a professional performance, completing six innings and allowing just a single earned run. While Mengden didn’t have overpowering stuff - he struck out just three and allowed eight hits - he controlled his pitches well and was able to escape an outing against one of the league’s most powerful offenses relatively unscathed.

Mengden wasn’t helped by Matt Chapman’s throwing error to lead off the fourth. The ever-powerful J.D. Martinez hit a ground ball to Chapman and Matt simply buried the throw to first. The error was Chapman’s third of the series and fifth of the season. It’s probably nothing, but it is a bit discouraging to see Chappie seeming to struggle with his feel for throws to first right now. Although before you get too down on him, watch this heads up play:

Tonight’s most emotional moment was undoubtedly Stephen Piscotty’s second inning homerun.

Piscotty’s blast was his third of the year and came in his first plate appearance since returning from the bereavement list after his mother lost her battle with ALS.

I think Melissa speaks for all of Athletics Nation.

The final big hit on the night came from Mark Canha, and was again of the two-out, two-run double variety.

Following Mengden’s six innings of work, Lou Trivino came in and continued his stellar campaign. The rookie worked two innings, three strike outs, allowed just a single hit, one walk, and no runs. He’s been electric at times and is probably our best new find of the young season. Blake Treinen pitched the ninth and got a save, although not before things got interesting. Treinen actually had to get four outs after the lead-off hitter, Rafael Devers, reached on a wild pitch after striking out. While the Red Sox made it interesting, and brought the tying run to the plate, a comeback was not on the cards.

Tonight’s win brings the A’s back to .500 and puts them in position to sweep the series tomorrow evening at 4:10 PM. The Green and Gold will have to overcome Chris Sale to pull it off. Trevor Cahill returns to the mound for the A’s, making his first start since landing on the DL with elbow pain. Let’s get a sweep!