The Oakland Athletics rallied from five runs down to beat the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Sunday, winning three straight series for the first time since 2021. The A’s took two of three for the third straight series and are now 6-3 following a 1-6 start to the season. Manager Mark Kotsay believes the team is starting to come together, and after a successful winning trip, they are gaining confidence in their ability to come from behind and hold leads.
Lawrence Butler, who reached base four times in the game, highlighted the positive team chemistry in the clubhouse, even after losses. A crowd of 8,637 attended the game, with plans announced for the A’s to play in Sacramento from 2025-27 until a new ballpark is built in Las Vegas. The team’s comeback victory against the Nationals showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The game saw Washington take a 6-1 lead before Oakland’s six-run sixth inning rally. Law loaded the bases with walks, and Toro ultimately hit a go-ahead, two-run single to secure the win for the A’s. Kotsay noticed a lack of energy in the dugout during the early innings and addressed the team, urging them to play with more energy and resilience, which paid off in the end.
Butler acknowledged Kotsay’s uncommon show of emotion in the dugout during the game and its positive impact on the team’s performance. Bleday and Butler delivered stellar performances with three hits each in the game. Mitch Spence earned his first major league win, and Mason Miller closed out the ninth inning for his third save. Washington manager Davey Martinez noted the bullpen’s workload and inconsistency in finishing games as areas of concern for the team.
A’s starter Alex Wood struggled, allowing four runs over 4 1/3 innings, while Nationals starter Trevor Williams gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings. In terms of injuries, the Nationals were without C Keibert Ruiz for the fifth consecutive game due to flu, and the A’s saw 3B J.D. Davis leave the game with a strained right groin. Looking ahead, the Nationals will have LHP Mitchell Parker make his MLB debut against the Dodgers, while the Athletics will send RHP Ross Stripling to face the St. Louis Cardinals and former A’s pitcher Sonny Gray.
