JJ Bleday and Zack Gelof both hit home runs during a six-run first inning, and JP Sears pitched seven innings to secure his third consecutive win as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 on Sunday. This victory was the Athletics’ 50th of the season, matching their total from last year.
Lawrence Butler had three hits, including two in the first inning, and drove in a run as Oakland improved to 20-13 since July 2, making it the third-best record in baseball during that time.
The Athletics are 13-8 since the All-Star break.
Sears said, “It all comes with confidence and confidence is contagious.”
Oakland (50-69) had a tough season last year, losing 112 games, and 102 the year before.
In 2023, the Athletics did not get their 50th win until September 30, just before the end of the season.
Gelof noted, “Last year was brutal at times. This year, it’s the same group. We’ve got a few newer guys.
I feel like we’re all just on the same page, pulling the same rope. It’s just great to be a part of. I feel like everyone is doing their job and we’re having fun doing it.”
Bleday reached base four times, Gelof had three hits, and Brent Rooker added two hits and an RBI. The Athletics have won six of their last eight series.
Manager Mark Kotsay commented, “They’ve got confidence in that room. That group is realizing that they can win baseball games and go out and be competitive, win series for that matter. It’s really nice to watch their success.”
Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 0 for 4, ending his 22-game hitting streak, which matched his career high set in 2022.
Guerrero hit a hard grounder to shortstop in the first inning but was thrown out to end the inning. He flew out to right field in the fourth and grounded into double plays in the seventh and eighth innings.
Manager John Schneider said, “I thought his swing was a little bit big today. It just wasn’t his day.”
Sears (10-8) allowed three runs and three hits, reaching double figures in wins for the first time. He walked three and struck out four.
