A’s spoil returns of Olson, Murphy with 7-2 win over Braves
May 30, 2023, 9:49 AM | Updated: 9:53 am
(Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
The Oakland A’s ended an 11-game losing streak in style on Monday night, defeating the Atlanta Braves by a final of 7-2 at the Coliseum.
Oakland’s pitching staff contained a dangerous Braves offense, striking out 11 batters while holding Atlanta to two runs on six hits in the A’s first win since May 16th.
Ryan Noda’s three-run blast acted as the leading charge in a four-run fifth inning for the Oakland offense–one that finished the game with seven runs on eight hits.
“There was good energy,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said of his team’s impressive win.
“Obviously, ending the losing streak was big. That was definitely something that weighed on the guys. But to see the enthusiasm in the dugout, especially when Noda hits a three-run homer that puts us up, they kind of came alive and that was a good sign.”
Back-to-back days with a homer for @RyanNoda14 ♨️ pic.twitter.com/AwTdD9s2Jm
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 30, 2023
In his first start of the season, Paul Blackburn looked sharp as the 2022 All-Star struck out six batters over four innings.
Oakland’s bullpen held things down the rest of the way, with Trevor May closing things out in the ninth to give the A’s a long-awaited victory.
The main storyline entering Monday’s game was the return of Former A’s All-Star first baseman Matt Olson and Gold Glove catcher Sean Murphy as both players made their first returns to the Coliseum as opponents.
Murphy got the Braves on the board early, driving Olson in with an RBI single during the top of the first inning. Olson drilled a solo shot in the top of the eighth inning to try and get Atlanta’s offense rolling–a 413-foot shot over the right field fence.
Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves (17)
pic.twitter.com/zUur6LwhjY— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 30, 2023
The A’s and Braves will continue a three-game set on Tuesday night when left-hander JP Sears takes the mound against Atlanta righty Bryce Elder.
Upcoming Oakland A’s Schedule
- Monday, May 29th-Wednesday, May 31st – vs. Atlanta Braves
- Friday, June 2nd-Sunday, June 4th – @ Miami Marlins (Listen on Sactown Sports 1140)
- Monday, June 5th-Wednesday, June 7th – vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
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