The A’s began Sunday with such promise, jumping on Orioles starter Chris Tillman for three runs in the top of the first.
The good vibes didn’t last long.
Kendall Graveman surrendered a career-high four home runs in just 2 2/3 innings and the Orioles went deep six times total in an 11-3 rout of the A’s in Baltimore. Manny Machado homered twice, including a late grand slam, and finished with a career-high six RBI.
So bad did it get that A’s catcher Josh Phegley found himself on the mound in the bottom of the eighth, retiring both batters he faced to save any more wear and tear on the bullpen.