10 Straight: The Numbers Behind the Oakland A’s Longest Winning Streak Since 2006
May 28, 2019, 7:22 AM | Updated: May 30, 2019, 6:17 am
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Stephen Piscotty #25 celebrates scoring with Jurickson Profar #23 of the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 27, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
The Oakland Athletics haven’t lost a game since May 14th. That’s 13 consecutive days of success. In most sports, that’s not all that impressive of a feat. But in the daily game of baseball, it’s something the A’s organization hasn’t accomplished in over a decade; 10 straight victories.
In the last two weeks, Oakland has overcome a handful of significant obstacles, including their slow start to the season, the injury issues of slugger Khris Davis, and their never-ending inconsistency with the starting pitching rotation. After a 97-win 2018 season, the A’s were expected to be “contenders” in the American League this season, but don’t let expectations overshadow this ball club’s continued ability to battle through adversity.
After being swept in a brief two game series by the Seattle Mariners, the A’s headed to Detroit at the bottom of the AL West, with just 19 wins and 25 losses on the season. The bats weren’t hitting, starting pitchers couldn’t make it through six innings, and the bullpen was overworked and fatigued.
It’s no secret that Oakland’s offense only goes as far as the home run ball takes them, which is why the nagging hip injury that has sidelined Khris Davis was so concerning to fans. Before the streak began, the A’s had just five wins since April 28th. Over that stretch, the club managed just 15 home runs, including five in one game, and a 4.49 ERA.
Since then, the A’s have returned to form, blasting 25 home runs over the win streak, including the six-inning game against Detroit that was postponed due to rain. The A’s and Tigers will continue that game in September, with Oakland leading 5-3. The A’s have averaged over seven runs a game during the streak, enjoying an inflated team batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
More impressive though is the recent success of Oakland’s starting pitching, consistently working through six innings. Their ERA over the streak is down to 4.13, strikeouts are up, and the bullpen is back to entering late and sealing the win.
At this point last season, through 53 games, the A’s had an identical 28-25 record. In 2019, Oakland’s run total has dropped slightly from 234 to 229, but their batting average (.244 to .245), home run totals (66 to 78) and ERA (4.03 to 4.02) are all improved.
The AL West, the domain of the Houston Astros, will not be easy for the A’s to steal away. Nearly 100 wins last season didn’t even get Oakland home field advantage in the Wild Card round. The A’s are just 1-4 against Houston in 2019. Today, Oakland is tied with the Boston Red Sox for 2nd in the Wild Card race, with the Tampa Bay Rays sitting at the top.
Oakland continues their series with the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday night at the Coliseum, where the club is 18-10 this season.
