A’s manager Bob Melvin explained what went wrong in the 8-1 loss to the Padres.
The A’s lost a tough one on Tuesday night in an 8-1 womping by the San Diego Padres at the Oakland Coliseum.
Sean Manaea lasted just 4 1/3 innings where he struck out four but gave up eight hits and five earned runs.
There was one very bright light that continued to shine, however. The A's newest outfielder Starling Marte continued to impress hitting his first home run as a member of the Green and Gold.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
“I’ve been feeling really good, thanks be to God,” Marte said via interpreter after the game. “Here we are, happy to be here, happy to be contributing and we’ll see how it goes. Keep going at it.”
Marte went 3-for-4 in Tuesday’s loss, totaling eight hits in five games since being acquired by Oakland last Wednesday.
One of the multiple tools Marte possesses that the A’s were anticipating is his speed and his ability to steal bases. Something he takes pride in.
“I try to work hard every day and I take pride in stealing bags every single day trying to get one or two and that’s why we’re at right now,” Marte said. “Hopefully a lead or close to it. I take a lot of pride in that.”
Athletics
Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Marte stole his 27th base of the season on Tuesday night, his fifth since being with the A’s.
Year after year, he tries to better his numbers on the bases. He’s done that so far.
“I’m trying to help the team as best I can, in any way I can and I’m going to try and duplicate my numbers as best I can every year and try to get better every single year,” Marte said.
His success since joining the team is due in part to the A’s ability to always make it easy on the new guy.
“It’s great coming to a team and everyone’s super helpful and supportive of me in any way that they can,” Marte said. “It’s fun being on a team that plays hard and whatever way I can help play and contribute, I’m proud of that.”
The A’s will benefit from Marte’s base-stealing ability. It’s needed badly, but it starts with consistent hitting.
RELATED: Luzardo still cheering for A's Puk after trade to Marlins
Oakland left eight runners on base and went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position on Tuesday. The same song and dance as before.
The A’s finish up a quick home series against the Padres on Wednesday. Frankie Montas is scheduled to take the mound against Joe Musgrove.