A’s Take Series Against Rangers, Win 5-2

The A’s managed to win their second series of the second half on Sunday afternoon with their win against the Rangers. Texas could only manage two runs against the Athletics today while the short-handed offense managed to show up for 13 hits and five runs. And thanks to the Angels’ day off we are no longer the worst team in the league. Progress!

It was lefty Jacob Lopez on the mound today looking to continue his recent hot streak. Outside of one mistake pitch in the second inning that went over the wall for a home run and a couple productive outs from the Rangers in the third, Lopez was in control yet again. He’d end up finishing six full innings this afternoon, giving his offense an excellent chance to nab the win.

• Jacob Lopez: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 93 pitches

Is Lopez quietly reinserting himself into next year’s rotation mix? He’s been extremely effective in these recent outings and one has to imagine he’s at least making things a bit easier on the front office with his recent play. He’ll pitch again later this coming week, likely in the series-opener against the Houston Astros.

The A’s offense gave him some early help this afternoon when Lawrence Butler launched a two-run homer in the second to give the club an early 2-1 lead:

Later on, with the game tied 2-2 it was Zack Gelof’s turn to bat and he launched his own two-run homer in the seventh to give the A’s the late lead:

We also had a big “first” later in the game when rookie Tommy White connected on his first big league home run, a solo blast in the eighth to make it 5-2 that gave the A’s some insurance:

The A’s bullpen was nearly perfect this afternoon. Four pitchers combined for three shutout frames to end this one, with just a couple hits allowed. Hogan Harris closed it out, securing his 12th save of the year.

An encouraging win all around. Lopez continues the comeback tour with six strong innings today while Tommy White gets his first big league homer. And for once the bullpen didn’t buckle late. Back on track to a degree as the homestand wraps up.

We’re hitting the road now as the club heads to Kansas City to take on the Royals for a four-game series. It’ll be rookie right-hander Mason Barnett going up against veteran Michael Wacha. Should be a good one!