The first step to being successful is getting over .500 and the Oakland Athletics have taken that step.
The A’s took a 3-1 lead on an Eric Sogard two-run home run and never looked back on Friday night.
Josh Reddick added a home run for Oakland and finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Brandon McCarthy picked up his first win of the year. He was solid for seven innings allowing two runs while striking out four and issuing three walks.
The win gives the A’s an 11-10 record and puts them one game over .500 for the first time since May 18, 2011.
The A’s won despite Yoenis Cespedes having an 0-for-4 night. It has to be encouraging for fans to see the team get a win without the centerpiece of the offense breaking through.
Oakland has the opportunity to pile up wins in the early part of the season and put some distance between themselves and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The A’s are still trailing the Texas Rangers, but are doing their best to keep things close within the division.
It will be hard for them to have a chance in the division with the Rangers great lineup but they certainly still will have a shot at the playoffs.
If the A’s can keep themselves in contention through the first half of the year then they can make a legitimate push for a playoff spot come October.
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