The Oakland Athletics are on a roll again, much like a year ago when they took off in the middle of June and used a sensational second half to return to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Mike Fiers on Saturday won in his first start at the Coliseum since pitching a no-hitter earlier this month and the Athletics beat Seattle 6-5 for their eighth straight win.
Matt Chapman homered and Ramon Laureano doubled in his fifth straight game.
Photo: AFP
The Athletics keep winning and doing just enough, even with reigning home-run leader Khris Davis sidelined by a bruised left hip and side.
“We have a lot of good depth,” Laureano said. “We feel pretty confident. Everything is clicking right now and it’s fun. We’ve got to keep it rolling.”
Domingo Santana hit two home runs, as Mitch Haniger also connected for Seattle, who have lost five in a row.
Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY
Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager doubled and singled in his season debut after recovering from surgery to repair a tendon in his left hand, which he hurt diving for a ball during spring training.
Fiers (4-3) received a warm welcome when introduced before the game, his first at home since throwing a no-hitter against Cincinnati on May 7. He went six innings against Seattle, allowing three runs and five hits.
Blake Treinen gave up Santana’s home run in the ninth before finishing for his 10th save in 12 tries.
On June 15 last year, the A’s trailed Seattle by 11 games before winding up with 97 wins and a wild card. They certainly hope this current run might lead to another surge.
Yusei Kikuchi (3-2) faced Oakland for the third time in as many different ballparks this season. The Japanese lefty previously pitched against the A’s in Tokyo and Seattle, taking a no-decision each time. He was done after 3-1/3 innings, giving up five runs and 10 hits _ matching his most surrendered this year.
Marcus Semien hit an RBI single that broke a three-all tie in the fourth innings, while Chad Pinder followed with a two-run double. Laureano, who has an eight-game hitting streak and also stole a base, provided an insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.
Also on Saturday, it was:
‧ Mets 5, Tigers 4
‧ Astros 4, Red Sox 3
‧ Angels 3, Rangers 2
‧ Padres 19, Blue Jays 4
‧ Yankees 7, Royals 3 (Game 1)
‧ Yankees 6, Royals 5 (Game 2)
‧ Dodgers 7, Pirates 2
‧ Cubs 8, Reds 6
‧ Diamondbacks 10, Giants 4
‧ Cardinals 6, Braves 3
‧ Rays 6, Indians 2
‧ Phillies 7, Brewers 2
‧ Twins 8, White Sox 1
‧ Orioles 9, Rockies 6
‧ Nationals 5, Marlins 0
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