Athletics Week In Review: 8/6-8/12

by Andrew Pasquini – Sports 1140 KHTK

The Oakland Athletics only played five games this week, two against the Los Angeles Dodgers and three against the Los Angeles Angels, and finished with a modest 3-2 record. The week also saw the Athletics acquire both Mike Fiers from the Tigers and Fernando Rodney from the Twins.

Game results:

Tuesday: Dodgers, L 4-2

Wednesday: Dodgers, W 3-2

Friday: Angels, L 4-3

Saturday: Angels, W 7-0

Sunday: Angels, W 8-7

Hitter of the week: Marcus Semien

Semien’s best game of the week came on Saturday where he went 3-for-5 against the Angels with two home runs and four RBIs but Semien was consistent the entire week. He had at least two hits in three games this week and wrapped up the week going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. For the week, the Athletics shortstop batted .400 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Pitcher of the week: Edwin Jackson

The resurgence of Edwin Jackson continued this week in his one and only start.  Jackson went 7 1.3 innings against the Angels allowing zero runs and striking out six. The Athletics hadn’t had a starting pitcher record an out in the eighth inning of a game since June 10th when Sean Manaea went 7 1/3 against the Royals. As of late, Jackson has been hot as he hasn’t allowed an earned run in his past three starts.

Win of the week: Wednesday against the Dodgers

After a tough loss the night before, the Athletics were tasked to face Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw as Mike Fiers made his Oakland debut. The A’s were able to score two runs against Kershaw and Fiers struck out eight in 5 1/3. The game was tied at two going into the eighth inning when Khris Davis reached on a fielders choice, scoring Semien, giving the Athletics a 3-2 lead. Blake Treinen would then retire the Dodgers in the ninth for his 29th save of the season, giving the Athletics the win.

Play of the week: Ramon Laureano’s 321-foot throw to double up the Angels

You'll fall in love with Ramón Laureano's speed, but you'll want to marry Ramón Laureano's arm. W O W ! pic.twitter.com/3dRaPkL249

— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) August 12, 2018

The Athletics hold the second Wild Card spot and trail the Yankees by four and half but only hold a game and a half advantage over the Mariners. For the AL West, the Athletics only trail the Astros by two and a half games making up a game and a half over the week. All of that could change this week as the A’s play three against the Mariners and three against the Astros, all in Oakland.

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