The Athletics' bullpen blew its fourth save of the season in a 5-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox, securing the visitors' seventh straight series victory.
The A's had a chance to salvage a series split, but their struggles with runners in scoring position continued. Facing Red Sox starter Sonny Gray, designated hitter Jacob Wilson lined a one-out double in the bottom of the first, only to be stranded at second as the next two hitters grounded out.
The A's struck first in the third inning, with Carlos Cortes drawing a leadoff walk and advancing to third on a fielding error by Red Sox shortstop Andruw Monasterio. Jacob Wilson came through with a runner on third and fewer than two outs, lining an RBI single to center to put the A's up 1-0.
A's catcher Jonah Heim led off the bottom of the fourth with his 11th double of the season, and scored the A's second run on center fielder Lawrence Butler's one-out RBI double to right. Jeff McNeil followed with a single, advancing Butler to third.
With two outs, shortstop Donovan Walton came through, grounding an RBI single to right that brought Butler home and extended the A's lead to 3-0. However, A's starter Mason Barnett unraveled in the fifth inning, allowing three runs on four hits over five innings.
Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman recovered from a game-tying double by pinch-hitter Alika Williams, striking out pinch-hitter Colby Thomas and Nick Kurtz to save Boston's 5-4 victory. The loss dropped the Athletics' home record to an awful 24-31.
The A's will continue this homestand this weekend with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Manager Mark Kotsay has yet to lead the Athletics to a winning season since replacing Bob Melvin in 2022.
Source: Yahoo Sports