Game 22–23: Detroit 9–4, 7–3

A week ago, A’s fans would have been largely content with splitting a grueling, cold 10-game road trip to New York, Toronto and Detroit. But after a 3-game sweep of the Yankees, hopes elevated.

Instead, the Athletics’ starters struggled down the stretch, with Sonny Gray and Chris Bassitt and Sonny Gray each having one of the worst games of their careers. Gray lasted only two innings on Wednesday night, losing to Justin Verlander. Bassitt allowed seven runs on 10 hits in 3.2 innings on Thursday, and was promptly placed on the 15-day disabled list. The A’s come home 11–12, fortunately just 1.5 games off the AL West lead.

Khris Davis, Josh Reddick, Marcus Semien (home run #5), Billy Burns and Stephen Vogt all picked up a couple of hits in the two games. Time to come home.