MESA, Ariz. – Rangel Ravelo delivered a two-out solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning as the A’s won for the second consecutive day in the Cactus League, beating defending American League champion Cleveland 5-4.
Ravelo’s homer was one of three hit by the A’s, a two-run opposite field shot in the first inning from Marcus Semien and a third-inning solo shot from Trevor Plouffe that hit a fan dozing in the sun near the left field scoreboard.
A’s pitchers broke out the strikeouts, too. Starter Jharel Cotton fanned the first four men he faced, although one of them would score after the ball got by catcher Josh Phegley to start the second inning.