» A’S CONTINUE HOT STREAK WITH SWEEP
OAKLAND — The A’s keep winning with the same formula they’ve been using most of the season — home runs and a lights out bullpen. But this new wrinkle they’ve been throwing in lately with their starting pitching could make them even tougher to beat.
Trevor Cahill’s home dominance continued at the Coliseum on Sunday as he shut the Tigers down for six innings before handing it off to the bullpen for a 6-0 victory in front of 19, 559 fans at the Coliseum, making it six-straight A’s wins and a three-game sweep.
The A’s remain unbeaten on their current homestand, which continues Tuesday for the start of a two-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and all six games have featured stellar outing by starting rotation members. A’s starters have allowed just three earned runs in 37 innings (0.76 ERA) through the six games, giving up zero earned runs in four of those six.
Not known as a high-strikeout pitcher throughout his career, Cahill appears to have evolved into one in his 10th big league season. The right-hander struck out 10 batters over six shutout innings Sunday, the second time he’s posted double-digit strikeouts in a start this season.
“For a guy that didn’t have a job that we get late in spring to a guy that at times can be as significant a starter as we have has been great,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “I think the changeup has taken him to a different level than he’s ever been at. He’s got a swing and miss pitch to go with the sinker and curveball, he’s been great. He gives us confidence every time on the mound that we have a chance to win.”
Matt Chapman and Khris Davis both homered for the second consecutive game, with Davis’ solo shot to center off Francisco Liriano in the fourth his 31st of the season and 10th in the past 14 games. Matt Olson also launched a two-run homer to left in the eighth to blow the game open.