Lawrence Butler hit a two-run double to support JP Sears’ strong pitching performance as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-2 on Wednesday night.
Oakland, who had previously struggled against the Red Sox this season with a 1-4 record, saw Butler contribute with two hits and a walk.
A’s manager Mark Kotsay expressed his satisfaction with Butler’s performance, noting the confidence boost it provided: “It builds confidence, for sure. Those two balls he hit tonight were missiles, and a huge momentum swing in the game.”
Despite an impressive stretch of eight consecutive strikeouts, tying a Red Sox record for the second time in his career, Nick Pivetta (4-6) took the loss. He reflected on his performance, acknowledging a lapse in the third inning: “I just didn’t throw strikes in the third inning.”
JP Sears (6-7) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up one run on four hits with eight strikeouts, overcoming a challenging start in the first inning.
Mason Miller secured his 15th save with a scoreless ninth inning for Oakland.
Oakland’s offense was highlighted by a three-run third inning, with key contributions from Max Schuemann, Miguel Andujar, Brent Rooker, and Shea Langeliers drawing walks to force in a run before Butler’s pivotal double extended their lead to 3-0.
