Ryan Sweeney Robs Kinsler, Saves Game For A's

It was the eighth inning, the A’s were up 3-1 and the Rangers had two runners on with their hottest hitter, Ian Kinsler, at the plate. Kinsler hit one that looked like it was going to land on the grass just beyond the center field fence and put the Rangers in the lead, but Ryan Sweeney used all of his 6′5” frame to jump and rob the home run and save the game for his team.

Sweeney said, "it’s the type of play you practice as a kid, but never know if it will ever actually happen."

Kinsler was clearly upset as Sweeney came down with the ball. Kinsler threw his helmet and said that he thought it was a home run, he was hoping it would be out of his reach in center field, but Sweeney had a different idea. Pitcher Russ Springer needs to take him out to dinner to thank him for saving him out there.

It was a great way to end a not-so-great April for the A’s, who ended the month with an 8-11 record. It came a day after the A’s had to place infielders Mark Ellis and Nomar Garciaparra on the DL with calf strains. The A’s know about using the DL all too well. I hope these guys get healthy quick and are back healthier and better soon.

Braden pitched solid to get the win for the A’s on Thursday. Matt Holliday hit his first home run of the season, ending a streak of 109 at bats without a home run. It was his first home run as an Athletic.