The Oakland Athletics entered their four-game series against the New York Yankees with one mission: prove the naysayers wrong. It's safe to say they've gone just that following Friday night's walk-off 3-2 victory.
The Athletics finally opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning, as Jemile Weeks hit a sacrifice fly to score Coco Crisp. They tacked on an all-important second run in the bottom of the fourth inning, thanks to an RBI double from Brandon Inge.
Left-handed starter Tom Milone had one of his best starts in an already-impressive breakout season, as he held the Yankees scoreless through seven innings of work, giving up just six hits and no walks, while striking out 10 Yankees batters.
The Yankees had a much easier time with the A's bullpen, as Russell Martin led off the eighth inning with a home run off of Jerry Blevins to cut the Oakland lead to one run. Robinson Cano then launched a home run to left field off of closer Ryan Cook to lead off the top of the ninth and tie the game, depriving Milone of a win.
In the bottom of the ninth, Yoenis Cespedes got his fourth hit of the game with one out, after which Jonny Gomes was able to pick up an infield single, putting a runner in scoring position for Brandon Moss. On the first pitch from Cody Eppley, Moss roped a single into right field, allowing Cespedes to race home well ahead of the throw.
The walk-off win was the 10th of the season for the A's, which easily leads the Major Leagues.
The A's can now do no worse than a series split, but will try to pick up the series win on Saturday.
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