Donaldson, Moss Blasts A’s Past Mariners in Extras

September 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics players congratulate first baseman Brandon Moss (37) after hitting the game-winning three-run home run during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Cinderella story just never seems to the end for the A’s. In perhaps their most dramatic comeback of the season, Oakland walked-off against the Seattle Mariners in front of their home fans.

The game did not start pretty for the A’s, as starter Dan Straily was knocked around for 4.1 innings. The Mariners scored a run in the second on a pair of throwing errors by Brandon Moss and Yoenis Cespedes that ended up with the ball in the A’s dugout. Seattle followed that up with a three-run fourth inning on a pair of home runs to lead 4-0.

But the resilient A’s just never gave up. They got on the board in the fourth inning when Cespedes scored from first on a single by Brandon Moss. It was a great heads-up baserunning play, which shifted some momentum over to the A’s favor.

Jason Vargas pitched seven strong innings for Seattle, allowing just the one run. However, the Mariners’ bullpen would spoil his efforts.

Oakland inched closer in the eighth. With runners at the corners and two outs, Moss lined a bullet down the right field line. Coco Crisp scored to cut the lead in half, but Stephen Drew was thrown out at home trying to score from first. So the A’s would enter the ninth inning down 4-2.

Mariners’ closer Tom Wilhelmsen would promptly blow the save in the ninth. After a four-pitch walk to Josh Reddick, Josh Donaldson stepped up and sent a soaring fly ball to deep cetner, past the reach of Franklin Guttierez and out of the park to tie the game at 4-4.

The game would go to extra innings, where the A’s usually dominate at home. It would only take one inning this time. With two runners on and out out in the tenth, Brandon Moss blasted the first pitch he saw from Stephen Pryor into the right field bleachers. Final score: Oakland 7, Seattle 4, with the A’s scoring seven unanswered runs to end the game.

It is the A’s 14th walk-off win of the season, and it is safe to say that this one has to rank among the top.

Standings Update

The Rangers vs. Angels game was postponed due to weather earlier today, so the A’s pick up a half game on both teams.

Oakland currently sits 2.5 games back of the Rangers in the AL West, and own the second wild card spot over the Angels by 2.5 games.