Jim Johnson Shaky In Oakland Athletics Debut As A’s Drop Record 10th Straight Opener

New closerJim Johnsoncame on in a scoreless game in the ninth inning and was touched for a pair of runs, which was all the Cleveland Indians needed to send the Oakland Athletics to their 10th consecutive Opening Day loss, a new MLB record.

The A’s (0-1) cost themselves a chance to score in the eighth inning whenDaric Bartonmade an incorrect read on a ball crushed to center field byJosh Donaldsonwith runners at first and second and only one out.

Barton was at second andCoco Crispat first when Donaldson launched a ball into the wet, chilly night into deep center field.

The ball hit the top of the wall and came back into play and Barton, who had gone back and tagged up, was only able to advance to third. RelieverCody Allen(1-0) wriggled off the hook and left the bases loaded … and the game scoreless.

MLB.com Jane Lee reported via Twitter:

With the score still 0-0, managerBob Melvinsummoned new closer Jim Johnson to make his A’s debut in the top of the ninth, but it didn’t go well.

Johnson walked Asdrubel Cabrera to start the inning and Cabrera scooted to third onDavid Murphy’s base hit to right. Johnson (0-1) then plunkedYan Gomeswith a 2-2 pitch to load the bases andNyjer Morgandelivered a sacrifice fly to center for the first run of the game.

Nick Swisherfollowed by lining a single up the middle to give Cleveland (1-0) a 2-0 lead and that ended Johnson’s night. He exited to a chorus of boos from his new fans.

From Jane Lee of MLB.com via Twitter:

Fernando Abadstopped the bleeding, striking outJason Kipnisand gettingCarlos Santanato bounce into a fielder’s choice to end the inning.

New Indians closerJohn Axfordrecorded his first save, but it wasn’t a particularly pretty or easy one.John Jasodrew a one-out walk and Barton later worked a walk beforeNick Puntostruck out to end the game. Axford had to throw 26 pitches to get the final three outs.

It was that kind of a night, though, as A’s starterSonny Graymanaged to throw six scoreless innings despite having to throw 105 pitches, including 29 just to get through the first. He allowed five hits and walked three with seven strikeouts.

Gray’s final inning was highlighted by the first video review in A’s history after Gray threw outMichael Brantleytrying to score on Cabrera’s comebacker. Cleveland managerTerry Franconachallenged the out call, which was upheld on review.

Cleveland starterJustin Masterson, an All-Star last season, was very good, allowing only three hits and a walk in seven innings, striking out four in a 92-pitch outing.

Donaldson had two of Oakland’s five hits on the night, while Jaso had the only extra-base hit—a second-inning double that was the A’s first hit of the season.

Oakland wiggled out of danger numerous times before the collapse in the ninth as the Indians stranded 11 runners.

The teams will be back at it Tuesday night at 7:05, withScott Kazmirset to make his A’s debut against his former team and right-handerCorey Kluberscheduled to work for the Indians.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow