Dillon Overton Shines In Debut With Oakland Athletics

No one thought that the Oakland Athletics would start a new winning streak. Well, they defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim three times in a row.

I didn’t think the real Oakland Athletics would stand up either. But it’s important to realize the Angels were in a virtual tie with the A’s prior to the series and now they’re in last place in the American League West. The Angels appear to be an unorganized team. They’re not making the correct signings, offering absurd contracts and wasting the prime years of star center fielder Mike Trout. So there’s nothing much to compare, but the A’s are the better team right now.

Oakland Athletics fans were anticipating the Major League debut of Nashville Sounds left-handed pitcher Dillon Overton, who left with a 7-3 lead late in the sixth inning. Dillon worked around three solo homers, including back-to-back first-inning homers from Trout and Kole Calhoun. He went to earn the win, which is something he’ll remember forever.

The Oakland Athletics jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first as Danny Valencia homered on a fly ball to center. The Angels didn’t waste any time, tying the ballgame 2-2, thanks to Trout and Calhoun. Unexpected moments like this were nothing new for A’s fans, who were either on the edge of their seats or chanting “Let’s go Oakland!”

Stephen Vogt broke the tie with a sacrifice fly that scored Crisp in the top of the third. Two innings later, Khris Davis‘ RBI single increased the Oakland Athletics’ lead to 4-2. By now, you should know that a one or two run safe is not really a safety net for the A’s. The Angels made it a one-run game after Albert Pujols passed Harmon Kilbrew for 11th place on the all-time home run list with his 574th homer.

However, Oakland Athletics fans didn’t actually need to press the panic button tonight. Crisp delivered a two-run single in the top of the sixth to put the A’s ahead 6-3. Valencia followed with an RBI single for a comfortable 7-3 lead. This was enough to hold off the Angels.

Angels right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin struggled again. He left after 4 2/3 innings. He was also unable to record a strikeout for the first time since Sept. 20, 2013.

The solo homers from Calhoun, Trout and Pujols weren’t enough to lift the Angels over the Oakland Athletics. I admit Trout is one of my favorite players, but he’s with the wrong team. The Angels have lost seven of their last 10 games. Sure, Pujols’ milestones are worth celebrating, but Angels fans are tired of watching their team lose.

It’s not time to believe the Oakland Athletics will make the playoffs yet, but this might be the start of something good.