Taking care of business
Fiers stays unbeaten with Oakland in A’s win over Orioles
BALTIMORE – Take care of business. With 12 of their final 18 games against teams under .500, that’s what the A’s need do as they look to cement their position as a playoff team.
So when facing a team like the Baltimore Orioles, who are on pace to finish as one of the worst clubs in baseball history, taking care of business is a must. The A’s did that in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory to remain with a firm hold on the second American League wild card spot, three games back of the Houston Astros for first place in the division and two back of the New York Yankees for the first wild card with 17 remaining.
The Orioles entered the night the worst-hitting team (.240) in the AL. That’s a recipe for A’s success, especially with Mike Fiers on the mound.
The right-hander has been excellent since he was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers last month, and he continued that trend with six strong innings in which his only blemish was a solo home run surrendered to Jonathan Bay Area News Group/ TNS photos Villar.
“It seems like that’s pretty much what he’s been giving us, six innings and the lead when he leaves,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “Had things under control and mixed his pitches well. Next thing you know, he’s got another win.”
Teams make a trade midseason with the expectations of providing a boost to their ball club, and Fiers has done just that. The A’s are 7-0 in games he’s started for them, and Fiers is now 5-0 with a 2.72 ERA in his time with Oakland. Overall, he’s now 12-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 28 starts. The 12 wins are a career-high.
The strikeout totals continue to be a nice surprise. His seven strikeouts Tuesday night now give him 42 as opposed to just seven walks over 392/3 with Oakland.