The Oakland Athletics dropped to 1-1 in Cactus League play as they lost to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 8-7 at the Angels Tempe stadium. The A’s pitchers struggled for the most part as Dallas Braden gave up two runs in his one inning of work. Fifth starter candidate Brandon McCarthy got off to a so-so start as he gave up one run on two hits in two innings of work. Hideki Matsui made his A’s debut going 0-for-2 with an RBI and a walk.
The most notable A’s performance was from 2007 fifth round pick Michael Taylor. After an 0-for-3 performance off the bench yesterday, Taylor started in right field today and was 2-for-5 with a three-run homer off relief pitcher Ryan Brasier. Taylor was acquired by the Athletics indirectly through the Matt Holliday trade. A key piece to the Holliday deal was Brett Wallace, who the A’s then flipped to the Phillies for Taylor.
The A’s send out a split squad tomorrow as they make their Cactus League home debut against the Cincinnati Reds at 12:05pm pacific.