OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Matt Olson hit a grand slam, Mitch Moreland homered twice to back Sean Manaea’s shutout and the Athletics slugged past the depleted Minnesota Twins 7-0 Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader for Oakland’s ninth straight victory.
Moreland connected for a two-run homer in the second inning and a solo drive in the fourth off Matt Shoemaker (1-1).
Manaea (2-1) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one over seven innings, throwing 95 pitches for his second career complete game and shutout — the lefty no-hit the Red Sox at home on April 21, 2018.
This outing was right up there with his best, and Manaea has become more comfortable with his distinct pitching style.
“As much as I want to be a guy throwing 100, that’s not me,” Manaea said. “I got to utilize what I have and what I bring to the table. That’s kind of freeing in a way, just accepting who I am as a pitcher. Just utilizing what I have, and what I have is pretty good.”
Olson made it 7-0 with his fourth-inning slam through a blustery wind — and on one pitch Manaea said “I kind of felt like I was going to get blown over.”
“It really helps when guys are hitting bombs like that and getting on base and then hitting bombs just makes it even better,” Manaea said. “It makes the game a little bit easier what that’s going on.”
The A’s matched the longest winning streak in the majors this year with Boston, which won nine in a row from April 5-14. Oakland is 10-1 since starting the season 0-6.
Minnesota finally got back on the field following three postponements because of COVID-19 protocols.
The Twins’ scheduled series opener in Oakland was delayed, forcing the doubleheader. Minnesota missed games Saturday and Sunday against the Angels in Anaheim.
The Twins have had at…
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