JJ Bleday drove in a run with a single and made an incredible catch in center field, while Shea Langeliers added a sacrifice fly, helping the Oakland Athletics secure a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in their last scheduled game at the Coliseum on Thursday.
Bleday and Zack Gelof both made outstanding defensive plays that thrilled a full crowd of 46,889 under a clear blue September sky. Fans expressed mixed feelings, alternating between chants of “Sell the team!” and “Let’s go Oakland!” as they reflected on the Coliseum, where the A’s have played since 1968 and created many unforgettable memories.
The ninth inning saw two fans jumping onto the field, bottles thrown into center field, and smoke bombs set off and thrown into right field.
Toilet paper and other debris rained down before manager Mark Kotsay took the mic after the game to thank the fans and led one last chant of “Let’s go Oakland!”
“To the staff who have dedicated their lives to the Oakland A’s, especially those who aren’t coming with us, I am forever grateful,” Kotsay said. “I will never forget you.”
The A’s plan to spend the next three years in Sacramento while aiming to open a new stadium in Las Vegas by the 2028 season.
Green “SELL” banners hung from the outfield as fans reminisced. Barry Zito sang the national anthem to loud applause, and Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart threw out ceremonial first pitches.
The current A’s players also put on a show. Bleday made a diving catch in the seventh inning to deny Carson Kelly a hit. The fans also got one last look at hard-throwing closer Mason Miller on the mound.
A’s starting pitcher J.T. Ginn (1-1) received a loud standing ovation as he left the game after giving up two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Ginn showed his appreciation by clapping his glove.
The Oakland bullpen then pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, with Mason Miller getting the last four outs for his 28th save, the most among all major league rookies. He has successfully converted his last 16 save chances since June 18.
Miller celebrated after striking out Nathaniel Lowe for the first out of the ninth inning, but the game paused briefly when two fans ran onto the field and were quickly removed by security.
Miller then struck out Leody Taveras and retired Travis Jankowski on a grounder to third to finish the 2-hour, 29-minute game.
“It’s an honor that I think any pitcher would love to have,” Miller said. “It’s always going to be a moment I look back on and treasure.”
Former A’s player and Bay Area native Marcus Semien went 0 for 4 in what may be his last game in front of family and friends.
“It was just nice to see a big crowd here. It’s always fun. A lot of energy,” he said. “I’m disappointed we didn’t play well. That’s really what I’m here to do, is play good baseball. But it’s pretty sad for this community because many people love this team in Oakland, and I don’t know how the support will be anywhere else.”
Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker (0-2) struck out two batters without walking anyone, allowing three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings during his third career start.
