The old cold concrete walls of the O.co Coliseum were filled to the brim on Friday night with fans who showed up for the Sonny Gray replica jersey giveaway. Along with the jersey, fans got to witness a historic night in Oakland Athletics’ history as rookie Mark Canha tied the Oakland A’s record for most RBI (6) in a rookie’s first three games played.
#Athletics most RBI, 1st 3 career games (since 1920): 6* @outtadapakmark 6 Ben Grieve 5 Ramon Hernandez *Canha is through 2 innings tonight
— Mike Selleck (@MikeSelleck) April 11, 2015
Canha is currently batting .500 after going 3-for-5 with a two-run home run on Friday night off of Mariners’ young gun Taijuan Walker. Canha has been hitting so well to begin his career, he earned the right to start Thursday’s day game against a lefty. The bay area native’s defensive versatility has also helped him earn playing time; he has played first base and left field so far this season. The Athletics aquired Canha via trade from the Colorado Rockies in December. The Rockies had selected Canha in the Rule-5 draft from the Marlins organization. As long as he can produce, his roster spot will be safe.
Not to be outdone, A’s starter LHP Drew Pomeranz pitched a gem, going seven innings and giving up just two hits while striking out seven Mariners. Pomeranz threw 98 pitches in his season debut, 58 strikes. Not a bad performance for the number-five starter in the rotation.
Also contributing a big night was Ike Davis. After striking out thrice on Thursday, Davis had three hits, four RBI, and scored two runs.
For the Mariners, starting pitcher Taijuan Walker lasted just 3.2 innings, giving up nine earned runs, walking two, and striking out three. RHP Tom Wilhemson took over for Walker in the third inning and gave up two runs in 1.2 innings pitched. As for Seattle’s offense, it was mostly non-existent. Austin Jackson contributed two of the team’s three hits, the other coming from third baseman Kyle Seager.
On Saturday, the Athletics will send Sonny Gray to the mound coming off his impressive Opening Day start where he threw eight innings of shutout ball, allowing one hit. He will be opposed by the Mariners’ J.A. Happ making his first appearance of the 2015 season and his first appearance in a Mariners uniform. In four career outings versus the A’s, Happ is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA.
Notes:
- Josh Reddick is expected back in the A’s lineup for Sunday’s game against King Felix Hernandez. Rookie Tyler Ladendorf is expected to be the corresponding move to clear a spot on the roster for Reddick.
- Manager Bob Melvin has stated that he has not decided if Reddick will return to an everyday player or if he will platoon him some with newly acquired Cody Ross.
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