Three homers power A’s past Giants to open Bay Bridge series

The Oakland A’s defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-0 at the Oakland Coliseum after three home runs and left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson pitched a solid six innings during the opening Battle of the Bay series game on Sunday afternoon. 

Stephen Piscotty and Ramon Laureano both hit two-run homers and Jurickson Profar hit a solo home run to give the A’s a total of five runs. The A’s pitching was marvelous and Anderson and Frankie Montas were able to shut out the Giants. The pitching from both sides was sharp today and the game was over in just two hours. 

The Giants RHP Derek Rodriguez pitched four innings and gave up two hits that allowed three runs. The Giants were only able to get two hits off the A’s pitching, Mac Williamson and Pablo Sandoval each had a hit.

Sandoval hit a base hit up the middle in between shortstop Marcus Semian and second baseman Profar, Brandon Crawford hit a blooper over Chapman’s head for a base hit and Mac Williamson had a base hit which were Anderson’s only hits given up in the 66 pitches pitched. 

The A’s may have been a little jet legged after coming off a regular series game in Tokyo, Japan but came ready to play for a spring training game. 

Golden Glove third baseman said:

“ Going from regular season game to spring training game is kinda weird but thats just one of those things you got to do. Im glad we were able to bounce back after two losses to Seattle and come back, hit some homers and do what we do.”

The A’s are missing Golden Glove first baseman Matt Olson, who has a hand injury. The lefty home run hitter plays a major role on this team defensively and offensively, after hitting 30-plus home runs last season. He is one of three lefty’s on the team and that is a little worrisome. 

Bob Melvin spoke about Matt Olson not ready to play the first couple of games this season:

“He makes everyone in the infield better too. All you have to do is get it over to his direction. He has a wide wing span, he picks everything out of the dirt… its tough not having him out there but thats why we have a Mark Canha, thats why we have Profar who can move around.. Pinder.. it gives somebody else an opportunity.” 

The A’s will take on the Giants again tomorrow in San Francisco at 6:45. The A’s are starting RHP Liam Hendricks and the Giants will start LHP Drew Pomeranz. 

Notes:

Matt Olson suffers a hand injury and it is unknown when he will return. 

A’s hit three home runs from Piscotty, Laureano, and Profar.

Brett Andersons incredible six innings pitched and only gave up three hits.