Kotsay said he had the A’s intentionally walk Yastrzemski because lefties have fared better against Miller this season. Indeed, lefties were hitting at a .286 clip (with a 1.137 OPS) while righties were at .091 (.264 OPS). So Miller versus Mr. RBI, it was.
“I had full confidence in him against Flores there,” said Kotsay, who was more bothered that the A’s wasted so many earlier opportunities, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Flores was asked if he was surprised with the intentional walk and said, “I don’t really know what to expect. Just (be) ready.”
On his own walk, Flores said, “Hoping to make contact somehow. As the at-bat went longer, I was seeing the fastball a little better, but it’s just a different fastball. I think I was just lucky to foul it off.”
Flores’ latest theatrics overshadowed Landen Roupp’s fabulous six innings, the longest scoreless start of his career, and four relievers tossing a hitless inning apiece, Randy Rodriguez, Tyler Rogers, Ryan Walker, and Camilo Doval.