OAKLAND, Calif.: Mark Canha hit a two-out, two-run home run in the 10th inning, lifting the Oakland Athletics to a 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.
The Mariners had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the 10th when pinch-runner Dee Strange-Gordon playing in his 1,000th career game scored on a passed ball.
The As came back with the majors-leading sixth walkoff win.
Ramon Laureano hit a two-out double to drive in Sean Murphy, who began the inning at second base. Canha followed with a deep drive on a 1-1 pitch from Joey Gerber (1-1) that cleared the fence in right. It was Canhas second game-ending hit this season.
The As (35-22) moved past the Minnesota Twins (35-23) in the race for the second seed in the AL. Oakland had lost three of four and five of 11.
Both teams were held scoreless through nine innings before the offenses broke through.
Jake Diekman (2-0) retired three batters to claim win.
Gordon put the Mariners ahead 1-0 after sitting on the bench for the first nine innings.
After Strange-Gordon moved to third on pinch-hitter Luis Torrens long fly to right, Evan White swung and missed at a pitch from Jake Diekman (1-1), but the ball deflected off catcher Sean Murphys glove. Strange-Gordon raced home and slid in safely.
Both teams made strong defensive plays in left field in the eighth.
Oaklands Robbie Grossman ran into the wall after chasing down Joseph Odoms long fly with two outs. In the bottom half, Seattles Tim Lopes also sprinted and made a running catch at the warning track on pinch-hitter Jonah Heins deep fly after the As had runners on second and third.
Both starters took shutouts deep into the game.
Oaklands Chris Bassitt struck out six and allowed five hits in seven innings. Bassitt has not allowed a run in three of his last four starts and has a 0.34 ERA (one earned run in 26 2/3 innings) during that stretch.
Seattles Yusei Kikuchi worked in and out of trouble to pitch four-hit ball over six innings. Kikuchi struck out five and walked three. Mariners starters have allowed one run or fewer in five of their last six starts.
STARBUCKS INSTEAD OF PLAYOFFS
With Seattle eliminated from playoff contention, the Mariners arent facing the same quarantine lockdown restrictions on the road as they had been previously. Major League Baseballs guidelines for teams in contention are more strict than those that are not. So you can go to Starbucks down the street and get a cup of coffee in the morning, which I did this morning, manager Scott Servais said. I would much rather have stayed in my room and ordered room service, but thats where were at right now.
ADDITION
The Mariners claimed RHP Ian Hamilton off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and assigned him to Triple-A Tacoma. Hamilton was designated for assignment on Sept. 18 after appearing in four games for the White Sox.
KEMP WINS STEWART AWARD
Oakland infielder Tony Kemp was honored with the Dave Stewart Community Service Award, given annually to an As player in recognition of his charitable work and donations. Kemp has dedicated his time to helping raise awareness about racial injustice against Black people and has been very active helping community organizations provide resources during Covid-19.
TRAINERS ROOM
Athletics: The As are trying to keep injured 3B Matt Chapman part of the mix despite his season-ending right hip injury that requires surgery. After clinching the AL West, he was part of a video call as Melvin addressed the team. Its unfortunate but we try to keep as close contact with him as we can, Melvin said. … Even thought hes not with us on the field it would be great to have him here. Hes such an emotional leader.
UP NEXT
Oaklands Mike Minor (1-6, 5.92) and Seattles Justus Sheffield (4-3, 3.75) pitch in a matchup of lefties in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday. Minors only win since joining the As earlier this month came against Seattle on Sept. 14. All four of Sheffields wins have come in his last seven starts. As RHP Paul Blackburn (0-0) makes his season debut in Game 2, while the Mariners counter with RHP Justin Dunn (3-1, 4.20).
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