Despite their 2022 season hitting a rough patch, the Athletics still are showing fight rather than ending their campaign on a sour note.
Oakland came from behind in their 8-7 win over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Wednesday. For eight innings, the A's were trailing in the game; then, in the top of the ninth inning, Vimael Machín came through in the clutch.
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After conceding the lead in the 8-7 loss against Texas on Tuesday, manager Mark Kotsay explained that it was much more fun to be on the winning side of late comeback wins rather than giving up the lead.
"That was one of the more fun games to manage," Kotsay told reporters postgame. "Obviously, being on the winning end of that game, you know, makes it probably more fun. But really a game that was similar to last night's game in terms of the offense and the runs and the teams that they came back and beat us last night from behind.
"We came back tonight, and we're fortunate to get a win. I think they showed their fight. Our guys again continue to battle. I think the relievers that came in the game did an amazing job at holding that score and giving us a chance to win this game tonight."
With the A's down to their last out in the top of the ninth inning, Machín nearly hit a home run, but settled for a double that tied the game at 7-7. The third baseman did his homework after his last at-bat against Rangers pitcher José Leclerc in a 10-3 loss to Texas on Aug. 18.
The 28-year-old also displayed heads-up base running by going from second base to home after Corey Seager committed an error to give Oakland the 8-7 lead, resulting in a chaotic inning that would see the A's end their season series against the Rangers with a win.
"Well, I was not trying to do too much, obviously," Machín told NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil and Bip Roberts on "A's Postgame Live." "I remember last time when I faced him; he threw me a couple of good sliders.
"So my plan right there was just see everything up. And I was able to right from the get-go and get a good slider and I put a good swing on it. I thought it was gone but at the end of the day. I was able to put a good swing and help the team win. So that's what matters."
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The A's road trip in Texas continues as they kick off their last series against the Houston Astros with James Kaprielian (3-9, 4.79 ERA) taking the mound on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Astros will counter with Lance McCullers Jr. (3-1, 2.20 ERA).