Gelof, Butler power A's past Rangers in Sacramento

A's take control early

The Sacramento Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Sutter Health Park. The home team’s offense was fueled by four home runs, with Sean Gelof and Tyler White each launching two-run shots. The victory improved the Athletics’ record to 49-75, while the Rangers fell to 61-64. Attendance at the ballpark was 7,343.

The scoring began in the second inning when the Rangers took an early lead. Cody Bradford allowed a solo home run to right center by Burger, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. However, the A’s responded immediately in the same frame.

Butler hit a two-run homer to right field, allowing White to score and giving Sacramento a 2-1 lead. The Rangers tied the game in the third inning on a ground ball into a fielder’s choice, which scored Langford and put the visitors back in front 2-2.

Late-game surge

The Athletics regained the lead in the seventh inning. Gelof hit a two-run home run to right center, driving in Bolte to make it 4-2. In the eighth inning, White extended the advantage with a solo home run to center field, securing a 5-2 lead. The Rangers failed to score again, and the A’s bullpen closed out the game to protect the two-run cushion.

Pitching performance

Jacob Lopez started for the Athletics, pitching six innings while allowing two earned runs on five hits. He struck out six batters and walked two. Luis Medina earned the win, pitching one scoreless inning with two strikeouts.

Elvis Alvarado recorded his seventh hold in two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit. Drew Rom recorded his second hold in one-third of an inning with one strikeout. Hogan Harris collected his 12th save, retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth inning with two strikeouts and no hits allowed.

For the Rangers, Cody Bradford pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs on eight hits. He struck out four batters and walked one. Chase Silseth and Tyler Alexander each pitched one scoreless inning, walking one batter each.

Jakob Junis took the loss, pitching one inning and allowing two earned runs on two hits. He struck out one batter. Peyton Gray pitched one-third of an inning, allowing one earned run on three hits.

Cole Winn finished the game, pitching two-thirds of an inning without allowing hits or earned runs.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816561