Kaprielian, A's beat Angels 3-1 to keep pace for wild card

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — James Kaprielian pitched two-hit ball over six innings, Matt Olson hit his 36th home run and the Oakland Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 Saturday night.

The A’s have won four consecutive games and seven of 10 in their race for the second AL wild card. They’re two games back of Toronto for the final postseason spot, with the Yankees also in the way.

Kaprielian (8-5) retired 18 of his 20 batters. He struck out five and walked none. He had been moved to the bullpen and didn’t find out he would be starting Saturday until after he’d played catch Friday.

“My mentality is the same, it didn’t really change anything,” Kaprielian said of pitching in relief or starting roles. “I probably threw more than I wanted yesterday because I didn’t know until after I played catch. At the end of the year, whatever (manager Bob Melvin) asks me to do, I’ll do. I just want to help this team win.”

The A’s scored three runs in the first inning to give Kaprielian an early cushion. Los Angeles’ Jose Rojas singled in the third and Jack Mayfield hit a double in the sixth. Other than those two hits, Kaprielian was in complete control.

Andrew Chafin earned his fifth save despite a shaky ninth. Chafin loaded the bases before second baseman Josh Harrison made an incredible leaping catch in the web of his glove for the final out.

“A guy we traded for going up and making that play, it’s big time,” Kaprielian said. “Winner’s win.”

Kaprielian rebounded after struggling his previous four starts in which he was he was 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA.

Jose Suarez (7-8) had a rough start with a three-run first — all on two outs — before settling down. He gave up six hits and struck out two in 5 2/3 innings.

Joe Maddon stopped him on the...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Kaprielian-A-s-beat-Angels-3-1-to-keep-pace-for-16470514.php