The Oakland A’s wrapped up a three-game set with the Blue Jays with a thrilling 5-4 victory at the Coliseum, taking 2 of the 3 from Toronto. The A’s took a 4-1 lead into the ninth inning before seeing their normally reliable bullpen melt down in the ninth. MIchael Wuertz and Jerry Blevins combined to give up three runs and the lead.
Fortunately for the A’s, the offense took care of business quickly in the bottom half of the ninth. Steve Tolleson led off the inning by singling and advancing to second on a passed ball. Cliff Pennington singled to right and that was enough to get Tolleson around for the win.
The A’s once again benefited from strong starting pitching, as Gio Gonzalez went 7 innings, holding the Blue Jays to 1 run on 2 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 6. He brought his ERA down to 3.39, which gives the A’s four starters with ERA’s under 3.45.
The A’s open up a three game series with the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow night.