OAKLAND –- If you’re curious why Sonny Gray fared better Friday, shift your focus from the pitcher’s mound to behind home plate.
Stephen Vogt was back catching after a nearly three-week absence. And while he adds a stabilizing presence to the A’s batting order, it’s the feel he has for calling a game, particularly with Oakland’s ace on the mound, that’s the true difference maker.
With Vogt back in the mix after recovering from a foul tip to the groin, Gray looked more like his usual self in a 5-4 victory over the Giants in the Bay Bridge Series opener.