Zack Gelof was the star of the show, hitting an RBI triple in the first inning and scoring on JJ Bleday's single. His highlight of the day was a three-run homer in the second inning against Jack Flaherty, along with two singles, driving in a total of four runs. Gelof was on fire, drawing three walks and scoring three runs in Saturday's 4-0 victory, setting the stage for his big day at the plate.
"For me, it's just swinging at the right pitches and then not making the situation bigger than it is," Gelof said. "Just going out there and controlling what I can control and the results take care of themselves."
Manager Mark Kotsay praised Gelof's plate discipline, noting that it set him up for success. Abraham Toro also had a standout game, with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, helping Oakland secure a 7-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
Oakland's Joe Boyle pitched five scoreless innings of two-hit ball, striking out six to earn his first win of the season. The Athletics made it 6-0 in the fourth inning when Toro knocked in Ryan Noda with an infield single. Riley Greene ended the Tigers' 16-inning scoreless streak with a homer in the eighth inning.
Despite Greene's efforts, the Tigers couldn't muster much offense, scoring only one run in the last two games of the series after winning their home opener. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed frustration, saying, "There's always frustration when you don't win a series, when you're in a position to do it."
The A's capped off their victory with Seth Brown driving in Gelof for the final run with a ninth-inning single. Gelof, who had a chance to complete the cycle, settled for a single in his final at-bat, considering stretching it into a double. "I thought I had a chance because usually they play me toward right-center," Gelof said.
Oakland outfielder Brent Rooker left the game in the fourth inning with abdominal soreness. The Athletics will face the Texas Rangers next, with LHP Alex Wood starting the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday. The Tigers will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, with RHP Reese Olson starting the opener of a two-game series on Monday.
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