A’s win third straight in walkoff fashion, could be turning point in season

The Oakland A’s have won three in a row, all via walk-off, and are looking to turn their season around.

Walk-off wins can be contagious, and the A’s are proving that right now. These types of hard-fought victories are what can turn a season around. They may have come at just the right time for Oakland.

Prior to this three-game streak the A’s had a 12-17 record. They were looking like Oakland of the last couple seasons; not competitive. With an injury to shortstop Marcus Semien that put him out for at least six weeks, and injuries to pitchers Sean Manaea and Kendall Graveman, things were not looking up. But somehow, the A’s have fought back.

Thankfully, Graveman and ace Sonny Gray have come back from injury, and Jesse Hahn has come up and bolstered the starting rotation. With Semien out, veteran Adam Rosales has held down the middle of the infield with Jed Lowrie. Yonder Alonso has found his stride, earning AL player of the week honors, and Khris Davis has continued raking.

In addition to the offense delivering in key situations, the pitching has been consistent enough to keep them in games. In game two of their series against the Tigers, the A’s were down 5-4 going into the bottom of the ninth. Down to their final strike, a walk and a double put runners on second and third, with Rosales at the plate. Rosales delivered a 2-run single to left that won the game for Oakland.

The following night in the rubber match, the A’s were down 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth. A Lowrie double brought in Rajai Davis to tie it, and a Ryon Healy 2-run homer sealed it for the A’s. Following suit last night, the A’s found themselves tied 2-2 with the Angels going into the 11th inning. Lowrie delivered the walk-off solo-shot to right field that handed Oakland their third consecutive walk off.

Next: MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

Things are looking up for the A’s, momentum and confidence are high and reinforcements are on the way. Semien should be returning soon, and promising youngsters Franklin Barreto and Matt Chapman could receive a call up at anytime. Oakland have remained competitive, and it might just be enough to see them make the playoffs this season.