The Sox had ample opportunity to take the game today and complete the sweep, but sadly that did not happen. RISP opportunities were squandered, the pitching wasn’t stellar, and Aroldis Chapman reminded everybody that he’s human and couldn’t keep the A’s from walking off the last game of the series. Oh well. We had a split road trip, so I guess it could’ve been worse.
Three Studs:
Nate Eaton: Went 2-3 with an RBI double and a single. He had a good series overall.
Rob Refsnyder: Hit a pinch-hit RBI double in the top of the ninth to tie the game and make up for Hamilton getting caught stealing.
Kyle Harrison: Had a great debut! He pitched 3 innings, and while he allowed 3 hits and only struck out 2 batters, he gave up no runs.
Bonus Studs: Greg Weissert/Justin Wilson: Also gave up no runs on the mound today.
Three Duds:
The Offense: Squandered several scoring chances throughout the game, notably in the top of the second, top of the third, and especially the top of the ninth.
Aroldis Chapman: Allowed hits again for the first time since the Stone Age and it was enough to give the A’s a walk-off win. The guy’s not a robot (contrary to popular belief) and the A’s are a gritty team, despite what the record might say. It is what it is. Given how unbelievable he’s been this season, I can’t be that upset, compared to how upset I was regarding a certain Mr. Hicks.
David Hamilton/The Guys in New York: Got himself caught stealing in the top of the ninth with no outs, and then the guys in New York confirmed the call.
Bonus Dud: Nathaniel Lowe: Lowe Vaughn went 0-5 today and struck out twice. Mo Vaughn had games like that sometimes too.
Play of the Game: Refsnyder’s Clutch Pinch-Hit RBI Double
It saved the game for us! It tied things up! Refsnyder is so great I love him so much! Alas, we lost the game in the next half-inning.
