Feb 22, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics infielder Josh Donaldson poses for a portrait during photo day at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Third basemanJosh Donaldsonleft Sunday’s Cactus League game with tightness in his right calf, an injury managerBob Melvinsaid wasn’t serious, and the Oakland Athletics lost to the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 at Goodyear Ballpark.
Brandon Phillipsput Cincinnati (8-12) up for good with a two-run homer in the seventh inning and Oakland starterSonny Graycouldn’t get out of the fourth inning.
Gray was tagged for five runs, three earned, on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts in three-plus innings, inflating his spring ERA to 6.30, andJosh Lindblom(0-2) was charged with the loss after surrendering Phillips’ homer in the seventh. He worked 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on four hits with three strikeouts.
As for Donaldson, who left in the bottom of the fourth after going 0-for-2, Melvin said it was not a major issue.
"“It was just a little tightness in his calf,” Melvin told CSNBayArea.com. “He could have played. I don’t expect it to be a problem. He’s off (Monday) anyway. I expect him to play the next day.”"
The A’s (8-8) got new life in the first inning when Reds catcherDevin MesoracodroppedDerek Norris’ pop up in foul ground and Norris made the Reds pay. With two outs and two on, Norris took advantage of a second chance against Reds’ starterTony Cingraniby driving a double to deep center field. Both runners scored as the A’s took a 2-0 lead.
Joey Vottogot one of the tallies back in the bottom of the first with a solo shot off Gray to the opposite field.
The Reds went up 3-2 in the second, with Oakland’s defense setting the table.Zack Cozartreached with one out on an error by shortstopJed Lowrieand after a walk, Mesoraco singled into left field to score Cozart, who beat the throw to the plate, allowing the runners to move up to second and third.Billy Hamiltongrounded a single to right, withSkip Schumakerscoring. But right fielderMichael Taylorgunned down Mesoraco to keep the deficit at one run.
But the Reds chased Gray in the fourth. Gray surrendered three straight hits to start the inning, with Schumaker driving in a run on the third hit. AfterAndrew Wernercame on in relief and got the first batter he faced, with a run scoring on a double play to end the inning.Ramon Santiagogrounded to Lowrie, who fired to first for the second out. As Cozart scored, though, first basemanDaric Bartonthrew across the diamond to nail Schumaker at third base.
The A’s tied it up with three in the fifth. Taylor andSam Fulddrew back-to-back walks off Cingrani to start the inning andJake Elmoresingled to left to score Taylor, with Fuld moving to third. Cingrani then forced in a run with a balk andBilly Burnsreached on a strikeout when Cingrani’s wild third strike got away.
Lee Hydecame in for Cingrani and surrendered a sacrifice fly toAlden Carrithersto tie the game. The inning ended with Burns getting himself picked off by Hyde.
The A’s got a run back in the ninth but the rally fell short.Billy McKinneyreached with a one-out single and scored on a double to center byNate Freiman. ButConner Crumblissbounced out and afterJake Goebbertwalked, Reds relieverDrew HayesfannedTyler Ladendorfto end it.
Luke Gregersonworked a scoreless inning andNolan Sanburnretired the final two batters in the eighth.
The A’s had six hits on the day, with Norris raising his spring training average to .400 by going 2-for-3.
Oakland is back home at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Monday to take on a Chicago Cubs split squad at 1:05 p.m. Pacific.
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