Rookie Nick Kurtz made the most of his first big moment in the majors on Sunday afternoon, tripling in the top of the ninth and scoring the go-ahead run on a clutch pinch-hit single by Tyler Soderstrom to lift the Athletics to a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park.
Kurtz, playing in just his 11th major league game since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, lined an 0-1 pitch from Marlins reliever Anthony Bender (1-1) down the left-field line for his first career extra-base hit. Two pitches later, Soderstrom — who shifted from first base to the outfield to make room for the 6-foot-5 Kurtz in the lineup — grounded a single up the middle to bring him home, sealing the win and the series for the A’s.
With the victory, the Athletics improved to 19-16 overall and a league-best 13-7 on the road. The A’s continue to surprise early in the season, having now won four of their last five.
The game began with promise for the Athletics. In the top of the second, Miguel Andujar and Jacob Wilson led off with singles against Marlins starter Edward Cabrera. After two quick outs, Gio Urshela came through with a two-run double to put the A’s up 2-0. However, Jhonny Pereda followed with a single and Myers gunned down Urshela at the plate to end the threat.
Miami responded in the fourth with a two-out rally against A’s starter JP Sears. After two quick outs, Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers each singled, and Dane Myers tied the game with a two-run double into the gap. Sears settled down from there, allowing just four hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings.
Mitch Spence (1-0) earned the win in relief, recording five outs, and Tyler Ferguson pitched a clean ninth for his first career save. Regular closer Mason Miller was unavailable after throwing 28 pitches and surrendering a walk-off grand slam to Stowers in Saturday’s loss.
Cabrera gave the Marlins a solid outing, allowing two runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings but received little support from Miami’s bats.
Kurtz’s triple in the ninth not only set the stage for the win but also marked a milestone — his first career extra-base hit in the majors. The A’s improved to 13-7 on the road, the best mark in the American League.
Athletics: RHP Luis Severino (1-3, 3.30 ERA) opens a three-game series at home against the Mariners on Monday. Seattle counters with RHP Bryce Miller (2-3, 3.52 ERA).
Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-3, 8.31 ERA) takes the mound Monday for the start of a three-game set against the Dodgers, who have yet to name a starting pitcher.
