JJ Bleday Goes Yard Twice in Athletics’ 11-3 Victory over Cardinals
In a dominant performance, JJ Bleday led the Oakland Athletics to an 11-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. Bleday’s two home runs, along with Zack Gelof’s three-hit game, helped the Athletics snap a three-game losing streak.
The game was highlighted by Luis Morales’ impressive pitching, as he allowed only two runs on five hits and struck out a career-high eight batters in 5 2/3 innings. Morales, who improved to 3-0 on the season, was a key factor in the Athletics’ victory.
Bleday wasted no time making an impact, hitting his first home run of the game in the fourth inning to give the Athletics a 2-0 lead. He then added to the team’s lead in the sixth inning with his 12th home run of the season, extending their lead to 5-1.
The Cardinals tried to mount a comeback, scoring two runs in the seventh inning, but the Athletics’ offense was too much to handle. Gelof’s home run in the eighth inning, along with a five-run ninth inning, solidified the Athletics’ victory.
With this win, the Athletics improve to 45-32 on the season and maintain their spot as one of the top teams in the league. Bleday’s impressive performance and Morales’ dominant pitching will surely be remembered as the Athletics continue their pursuit for a championship title.
JJ Bleday’s Two Homers Lead Athletics to 11-3 Win Over Cardinals
In a dominant performance, JJ Bleday hit two home runs and Zack Gelof added a homer among his three hits as the Athletics defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3 on Monday. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Athletics.
Luis Morales (3-0) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs on five hits and striking out a career-high eight batters. This was the first time in six career appearances that Morales had allowed multiple runs.
Sonny Gray (12-8) struggled for the Cardinals, giving up seven runs on 10 hits and three walks in six-plus innings. This was the second consecutive loss for the Cardinals after winning three in a row.
Bleday and Gelof Power the Offense
Bleday’s second homer of the game and 12th of the season in the sixth inning extended the Athletics’ lead to 5-1. This was the second multi-homer game for the 27-year-old outfielder. Gelof also contributed with a 385-foot shot to right field in the fourth inning.
Darell Hernaiz and Colby Thomas also had key hits for the Athletics, driving in runs in the sixth inning to give the team a 4-1 lead.
Iván Herrera hit his 12th home run of the season for the Cardinals in the fourth inning, putting them on the board.
Key Moment and Stat
The key moment of the game came in the fourth inning when Bleday and Gelof hit back-to-back home runs to give the Athletics a 3-0 lead. This was the third time this season that the team hit consecutive homers.
Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker also had a strong performance, going 2 for 5 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Up Next
The Athletics will send Luis Severino (6-11, 4.82 ERA) to the mound to face Miles Mikolas (6-10, 5.04 ERA) of the Cardinals on Tuesday night.
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