Elephant Rumblings: A’s assist White Sox in breaking another slump

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

Back in early August, the White Sox came to Oakland riding a 20-game losing streak. The A’s took the first game of the series, and the Chisox’ 21st straight loss tied an unenviable AL record. But the A’s relented the following day, sparing Chicago the embarrassment of setting a new “skidmark” as the Sox took their first win in 27 days.

Fast forward to yesterday’s series finale in Chicago: the teams were tied at a game apiece and the Sox were looking for their first series win since June. Call it a favor, call it mercy, or call it a massive fail; whatever the case, the A’s once again gave reprieve to the beleaguered White Sox, losing a second straight game by just one run to give Chicago that series win—and their first back-to-back victories since late June, to boot.

The series was frustrating and disappointing for the A’s and their fans. On Saturday, the Sox’ bullpen did everything they could to give the A’s a comeback win, blowing two saves before walking it off against Hogan Harris in the ninth. But I’d rather the A’s lost this series and won earlier in the week against Houston than vice-versa.

Despite the loss, we saw some noteworthy individual performances yesterday: Brent Rooker hit his 37th home run of the season and got on base for a 25th consecutive game. He’s flirting with 40 home runs and could also become the first A’s hitter to hit .300 with at least 100 RBI and 30 HR since 2002.

JJ Bleday had a double-double Sunday, giving him 43 two-baggers on the season, extending the record for most doubles by an Oakland A’s primary center fielder and tying Marcus Semien for the fourth most by any Oakland hitter in a single season.

Unfortunately, yesterday also saw an historic hitting streak come to an end. Lawrence Butler went 0-for-3, ending his hit streak at 22 games, which ties Eric Byrnes for the fourth longest in Oakland A’s history.

Today, the A’s are on the other side of Chicago to start a series against the Cubs. Let’s go, Oakland!

A’s Coverage:

• A’s drop finale 4-3 to Sox in Chicago
• Eyeball Scout Takes A Wink At Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Brady Basso
• Column: Baseball teams are abandoning cities across California. How some are fighting back ($)
• Injuries & Moves: Soderstrom activated; Alvarez optioned ($)
• Miller receives A’s Clemente Award nomination
• A’s Duo Outperforming Yankees’ Judge, Soto Since July 1

MLB News & Interest:

• With Giants ownership impatient, Buster Posey took leading role in Matt Chapman talks: Sources ($)
• Red Sox manager Alex Cora hints team tried hitting Yankees’ Aaron Judge on purpose ($)
• Chris Sale’s many fans include Braves great Tom Glavine: ‘A genius move’ ($)
• Tyler Glasnow “Highly Unlikely” To Return This Year Due To Elbow Sprain
• Latest On Cody Bellinger
• NL East Notes: Albies, Marte, Bohm
• Orioles Designate Cole Irvin, Nick Maton For Assignment
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

I have a feeling this kid is going to pan out.

Rockhounds set new franchise record for wins.

Huge Saturday for Davidson.