Game 49 Recap: A's Lose Sixth Straight in Frustrating Fashion 5-4

A very solid start spoiled. A relative offensive explosion ruined. And a golden opportunity to break through in the ninth wasted. The recipe for a loss mixed together in Minnesota and the Oakland A's dropped their sixth straight game 5-4 to the Twins. Ryan Cook allowed his first runs of the year in the eighth inning, taking the loss. Despite home runs by Josh Reddick (his 14th) and Kila Ka'aihue, it was the the A's inability to score with runners on that doomed them again. 

Down a run in the ninth, the A's got a gift from the Twins when second baseman Alexi Casilla booted a routine grounder from Colin Cowgill. After Seth Smith flied out, Jemile Weeks walked to put runners on first and second. Coco Crisp then culminated a frustrating day at the plate by lacing a liner right back at Twins closer Matt Capps, who bobbled the ball twice before throwing Crisp out at first. After Reddick was intentionally walked to load the bases, Jonny Gomes was blown away on three pitches to end the game.

Spot starter Travis Blackley looked great in his first start for Oakland. He went five innings, allowing only a solo home run on three hits and a walk. Colin Cowgill was solid with three singles and reached all four plate appearances. Brandon Inge returned from the disabled list and went 0 for 2 with a walk. 

Good: Josh Reddick. His 14th home run. A triple. Intentionally walked with the go-ahead run on in the ninth. He is the unquestioned star for the A's offensively and will most likely be making plans for this year's All Star game. 

Bad: Coco Crisp. Rally killer deluxe. At this point, Yoenis Cespedes can not get back fast enough. Maybe once Manny Ramirez is eligible to play, Seth Smith will slide into the outfield. Crisp is just awful at this point.

Ugly: Hitting with runners in scoring position. The A's went 1 for 9 today. That continues a season where the A's simply do not deliver with men on base.