ARLINGTON, Texas – Raul Alcantara’s early stumble in the A’s 10-5 loss to the Rangers Friday may develop into Jesse Hahn’s big break.
Alcantara, rocked for eight runs while getting just six outs, turned the game over to Hahn to begin the third inning. Hahn, a rotation candidate who pitched his way into the minor leagues in the spring, snapped at the opportunity.
The veteran right-hander threw six strong innings, allowing two runs in his role as long reliever, perhaps reestablishing his street cred with the A’s and manager Bob Melvin. Were it not for a bloop double that center fielder Rajai Davis just missed, Hahn might not have allowed any runs.