July 19, 2016
A’s 4, Astros 3 (10 innings)
W: Rzepczynski (1-0) L: Neshek (2-2)
Win Probability – boy, that escalated quickly
Well, things started out well. Valbuena got himself the rarely seen “bat flip on a single in the third inning” to take a 1-0 lead, driving in Altuve. Springer managed to homer to dead center. Correa brought in Altuve after a triple. Keuchel was cruising. Through 6, it was 3-0.
Damn, things fell apart faster than the GZ thread.
Manager Jake Marisnick left Keuchel in for over 110 pitches, which put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out. He then decided to call on key offseason acquisition Jake Marisnick, who immediately allowed a double to make it 3-2. Some chump in CF cut off a liner to get the second out, allowing him to escape the inning without further damage.
In the 9th, the Astros turned to All-Star closer Jake Marisnick, who promptly allowed back-to-back doubles with one out, tying the game.
In the 10th, the Astros loaded the bases with 2 outs, but Other Jake Marisnick (at DH instead of CF last night) grounded out to end the inning – at least he didn’t hurt himself swinging.
In the bottom of the 10th, two out and a man on first, the Astros turned to their only lefty in the pen, Jake Marisnick. His season-long troubles continued as he issued a walk, then an infield grounder between Jake Marisnick and Jake Marisnick. Shortstop Jake Marisnick fielded it, double clutched, then threw wide of the plate, allowing the winning run.
Hopefully, Jake Marisnick will have been removed from the roster by the afternoon conclusion of this series so that the Astros can salvage their season.