CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez doubled twice, then homered to begin a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Cleveland Guardians sent Oakland to its 10th straight loss, beating the Athletics 3-2 on Friday night.
The A’s are stuck in their first double-digit skid since 2011 and have been outscored 60-20 during the streak. Oakland has the worst record in the American League at 20-40 and has not won since May 29 against Texas.
“Every time you think you’re going to get a break, they generally don’t go your way,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “It’s never easy getting out of these situations. You have to earn them yourself.”
Ramírez, who leads the majors with 56 RBIs, hit his 16th homer to lead off the ninth against Dany Jiménez (2-4). Cleveland then loaded the bases with no outs and Owen Miller delivered the tying sacrifice fly.
Sam Moll relieved and gave up an infield single to Steven Kwan that again loaded the bases. Luke Maile followed with a sacrifice fly that scored rookie Oscar Gonzalez, setting off a celebration in the rain that unexpectedly arrived during the inning.
“José is the best player in baseball, I’ve said it 50 times,” Guardians designated hitter Josh Naylor said. “He’s incredibly clutch. When he comes up in a close game, you know something is going to go down. He’s incredible.”
Ramírez was the only baserunner to get past second until the ninth for the young Guardians, who have won nine of 11 and moved two games above .500.
Gonzalez went 1 for 4, giving him hits in 13 of his first 14 career games. Roger Maris held the previous Cleveland franchise mark with 12.
“Sometimes you just get out of their way because you don’t want to make them nervous,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said….
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