A’s fall late to Marlins 9-6

Tough way to end the game

The Athletics saw their winning streak end at four games on Saturday afternoon down in Florida, falling in grand walk off fashion to the Miami Marlins 9-6 and dropping the team’s record to 18-16.

The A’s got out to a quick start today against Miami starting pitcher Max Meyer. Designated hitter Brent Rooker got the scoring started with a solo home run in the bottom of the first:

That was long ball #9 for Rooker but it wouldn’t be the only homer for the Athletics today. Center fielder JJ Bleday got his own solo blast the next inning, his second in as many days against his former team:

That was his fourth of the season and hopefully a sign he is ready to break out of his slump. Second baseman Luis Urias launched the team’s third home run of the day in the fourth, a 2-run shot to give the team the lead:

On the pitching side the team turned to right-hander Osvaldo Bido for today’s outing. Coming off a solid appearance last time out Bido got touched up a bit today by the Marlins. Miami scored twice in both the third and fifth innings, including allowing a two-run shot to Miami’s offensive leader Kyle Stowers. He would finish five full frames and qualify for the win but he didn’t have his best stuff tonight in Florida.

• Osvaldo Bido: 5 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 70 pitches

After a Bido departed the A’s added in a couple of insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings. The bullpen was cruising as Grant Holman, Tyler Ferguson, TJ McFarland and Justin Sterner combined for three innings to bridge the gap to All-Star closer Mason Miller, who came into today 10 for 10 in save opportunities

Well today was a season first for Miller. Miami was all over him from the moment he entered the game. Miller didn’t have his best stuff and that cost the A’s the win as Miami launched a rally to beat the Green & Gold, scoring five times in the bottom of the ninth including a walk off grand slam to Stowers. That’s about the worst way to lose a ballgame right there.

The team let that one slip away. While Bido didn’t have his best game he did enough while the offense picked up their starter. The bullpen outside of Miller was efficient and did their job. Just chalk this one up to Miller not having his best stuff today.

The A’s will finish the weekend series off tomorrow morning when lefty JP Sears takes on Edward Cabrera. Let’s start a new win streak and finish the road stand on a high note!