OAKLAND, Calif. — Just 6,423 followers confirmed up for the Athletics’ first house sport since saying a deal for land to construct a ballpark in Las Vegas, many chanting “Sell the team!” and “Stay in Oakland!” throughout an 11-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday evening.
“Obviously, they have every right to do what they want and wear whatever T-shirts they want, say what they want, because they paid for their ticket,” A’s second baseman Tony Kemp mentioned. “So yeah, it’s unfortunate that it’s come to this situation.”
Unable to make progress on a brand new ballpark within the Bay Area and eager to make plans because the expiration of their Oakland Coliseum lease approaches on the finish of the 2024 season, the staff introduced April 19 that it had signed a binding settlement to buy land for a brand new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas.
The A’s, led by proprietor John Fisher, intend to work with Nevada and Clark County on a public-private partnership to fund the stadium. They hope to interrupt floor by subsequent yr and transfer to their new house by 2027.
Fans within the right-field stands introduced a number of banners of “Sell” and “Fisher Out.” Those similar followers additionally wore Kelly inexperienced shirts with “Sell” written on them and started to stroll across the stadium chanting “Sell the team!” all through.
“The players are in a tough spot just because we feel the support of the fans, but there’s nothing that we can do but go out there and play our best every day,” Kemp mentioned.
PHOTOS: A’s met by followers in Oakland with chants of `Sell the staff!’
The crowd was the staff’s sixth beneath 10,000 in 13 house video games. Oakland entered the homestand averaging a serious league-low 11,027.
“It was good to see a crowd tonight that was enthusiastic, supportive of us all night,” A’s supervisor Mark Kotsay mentioned.
Nick Senzel had three RBIs and Jake Fraley hit a two-run homer for the Reds, who’ve received 4 in a row for the primary time since final July 30 to Aug. 2.
Luis Cessa (1-3) gave up three runs and eight hits in five-plus innings, successful for the primary time in 5 begins this yr.
Drew Rucinski (0-1) was activated from the injured listing and made his Oakland debut. He gave up 5 runs – three earned – and 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings.
The 34-year-old left-hander made his first massive league look since 2018 after spending 4 seasons with South Korea’s NC Dinos. Rucinski signed with Oakland for a $3 million, one-year contract, then strained his left hamstring late in spring coaching
Shea Langeliers had three RBIs for Oakland, together with a run-scoring single within the first.
Senzel’s RBI single and Jose Barrero’s two-run double constructed a 3-1 lead within the third, and Fraley hit a two-run homer within the fourth.
Oakland’s Brent Rooker had three hits, and Ryan Noda hit his third house run.
“I think the fans have the right to come out and voice their opinions,” Kotsay mentioned. “For us as players, in-game, that’s not really a distraction.”
MOVES
Reds: Selected the contract of INF Matt Reynolds from Triple-A Louisville and transferred RHP Tony Santillan (proper knee pressure) to the 60-day IL.
Athletics: RHP Chad Smith was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding transfer for Rucinski.
UP NEXT
RHP Hunter Greene (0-1) begins Saturday for the Reds towards Oakland LHP Kyle Muller (0-2).
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