Athletics Losing Streak Reaches New Low

The Athletics’ struggles continue, with the team’s seventh straight loss coming at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds. The final score was 3-2, dropping the Athletics to 45-69 and 13 games back from the AL West lead.

Despite the loss, Jacob Lopez had a decent outing, giving up four hits and two runs while striking out nine in 5.0 innings pitched. Since getting called up on July 7, Lopez has pitched 24.1 innings with a 3.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

Lopez’s performance has been a positive note in an otherwise disappointing season for the Athletics, with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

The team’s injuries are starting to take their toll, with key players like Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Zack Gelof, and Brent Rooker missing from the lineup.

Without these players, the Athletics are struggling to close out games, as seen in their recent losses.

However, with Gelof on his rehab assignment and Kurtz and Kuroda-Grauer expected to return within the month, the team may be on the brink of a turnaround.

Scott Blewett has been a bright spot in the Athletics’ bullpen, pitching 5.1 innings with a 1.69 ERA since joining the team on July 27. In the loss to the Reds, Blewett pitched 2.0 innings without allowing a base runner.

The Athletics’ bullpen has been a revolving door, with different pitchers taking on key roles each week. However, Blewett has looked promising in his short time with the team, and may be the face of the bullpen for now.

As the season wears on, the Athletics will need to find a way to overcome their injuries and consistent losses. With a strong pitching performance and the potential return of key players, the team may be able to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.

For now, though, the Athletics are stuck in a slump.

The team’s next game will be a significant challenge, and will determine whether they can break out of their current funk. The Athletics’ recent losses could be a wake-up call for the team, forcing them to re-evaluate their strategy and make adjustments on the fly.

If they can find a way to overcome their injuries and capitalize on their strengths, they may be able to make a surprising turnaround and challenge for a playoff spot, similar to what happened in the shootout between Chivas and LAFC.