Solid pitching gave the Athletics several chances Wednesday night. However, another late failure turned a winnable game into a 4-2 loss.
Andruw Monasterio hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning, lifting the Boston Red Sox at Sutter Health Park. The Athletics fell to 45-63 after stranding 10 runners and going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
The A’s also recorded their 21st blown save. That total ranks third in the majors.
Lopez keeps it close
Jacob Lopez worked through steady traffic and kept the Athletics in front for most of his outing.
The left-hander allowed seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. He surrendered two runs, one earned, with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Boston loaded the bases in the fourth, but the Athletics escaped with a double play. Then Jahmai Jones tied the game with a solo homer in the fifth.
Lopez retired the next three hitters. However, Caleb Durbin singled to open the sixth before Tommy White dropped a foul ball for an error.
Hayden Juenger replaced Lopez with one out. Nick Sogard then delivered a two-out RBI single that tied the game at 2.
Juenger received his first blown save. Meanwhile, Lopez was charged with the unearned run.
Butler and Heim provide power
Jonah Heim opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning. It was his 11th home run of the season.
Heim finished with three hits, including the 500th of his career. Lawrence Butler also gave the Athletics a 2-1 lead with a solo homer in the fifth.
The 422-foot drive was Butler’s sixth homer and his first since June 19. He later doubled to begin the ninth, putting the winning run in scoring position.
Donovan Walton moved Butler to third with a sacrifice bunt. However, Aroldis Chapman struck out Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil to end the threat.
Chapman earned the win in his 900th career appearance. Butler finished 2-for-3 with a walk, while McNeil added two hits.
Boston finally breaks through
The Athletics repeatedly escaped trouble after Boston tied the game.
Elvis Alvarado stranded three runners in the seventh. Brady Basso later left two more aboard in the ninth, sending the game into extra innings.
In all, Boston stranded six runners from the seventh through ninth. Still, José Suarez could not extend the escape act.
With automatic runner Romy Gonzalez at second, Monasterio drove a 2-0 fastball to left-center. His sixth homer gave Boston its first lead of the night.
Suarez took the loss after allowing two runs, one earned, in the 10th. Greg Weissert then retired the Athletics in order for his first save.
Kurtz awaits MRI
Nick Kurtz left after Patrick Sandoval hit him with a 95-mph sinker in the first inning. The Athletics initially announced a left forearm contusion.
Kurtz remained in the game as a baserunner. However, McNeil replaced him at first base before the second inning.
Initial X-rays were inconclusive, according to manager Mark Kotsay. Kurtz is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday morning.
“We’re hoping for the best,” Kotsay said.
Wednesday marked Kurtz’s fifth game back from a right thumb capsule sprain.
Up next
The Athletics will try to earn a series split Thursday at Sutter Health Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PDT.
Mason Barnett starts for the A’s. He enters at 1-1 with a 4.74 ERA and 23 strikeouts.
Boston counters with Sonny Gray, who is 12-2 with a 2.78 ERA and 93 strikeouts.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
