Blackburn Continues To Impress As Oakland Picks Up Series Victory
May 26, 2022, 9:51 AM | Updated: Nov 11, 2022, 12:04 pm
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Chris Bassitt is a New York Met. Sean Manaea is a San Diego Padre. Frankie Montas has had some early-season struggles.
Yet, an Oakland Athletics starting pitcher ranks among league leaders in several categories.
A’s right-hander Paul Blackburn continued to state his candidacy for a spot on the American League All-Star team after the 28-year-old tossed 5.1 shutout innings during Wednesday’s 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Blackburn improved to a perfect 5-0 on the season (tied for the second-most wins in baseball) and lowered his ERA to 1.70 (fourth-lowest in the league) on the season following another strong effort in Seattle.
Over 5.1 shutout innings, Blackburn struck out two batters, walked five, and allowed just one hit before turning the ball over to the bullpen.
Thanks to home runs from Elvin Andrus and Seth Brown, the A’s offense provided just enough of a cushion to allow Lou Trivino, A.J. Puk, Zach Jackson, and Dany Jimenez to close out the game.
With the win, Oakland claimed a series win over a Mariners team that acted as a thorn in the sides of the 2021 A’s.
“Any series win is a big win, especially here against a team that kind of knocked us around last year,” Blackburn said postgame. “It felt like every time we played them, they were putting up crooked numbers. One through nine, they can swing it well. Coming into their place and playing them for the first time, taking two of three is big.”
Blackburn has turned into the ace of this Oakland staff and is clearly making strides in his sixth season at the Major League level.
“Paul is pitching with a lot of confidence right now,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said of the right-hander. “He has picked up a tick of velocity and his breaking ball is sharper. He’s utilizing the changeup a lot more. The arsenal has increased for Paul, and that’s another reason why he’s been so effective.”
Oakland will return to the Coliseum for a 10-game home-stand against the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox.
The action all starts on Thursday night right here on Sports 1140 KHTK as the A’s face the Rangers with first pitch coming at 6:40 pm PST following The Nick Cattles Show.
