The Athletics held on for a wild 9-7 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Sunday, surviving a late rally that made things interesting in what turned out to be a classic spring training slugfest. Jeff McNeil's perfect 3-for-3 performance with a home run and two RBIs led the way as the A's improved their Cactus League record with timely hitting and just enough pitching to get the job done.
McNeil Sets the Tone Early
The Athletics wasted no time establishing their offensive rhythm, plating four runs in the opening frame against Reds starter Rhett Lowder. McNeil was the catalyst, delivering key hits as part of a balanced attack that saw the A's collect 12 hits on the afternoon. His home run highlighted a day where the veteran infielder looked locked in at the plate, going perfect in three at-bats while scoring twice.
Zack Gelof continued his solid spring with a 2-for-4 showing that included an RBI double, while Cade Marlowe and Cameron Leary each contributed with timely knocks. The depth of the A's offensive performance was encouraging, with five different players recording RBIs and the lineup showing the kind of balance that could translate well once the regular season arrives.
Pitching Staff Shows Mixed Results
Starting pitcher Jack Perkins earned the victory despite a shaky 2.2-inning outing that saw him allow four hits, two earned runs, and three walks while surrendering a home run. The 58 pitches through less than three innings isn't ideal, but Perkins did manage two strikeouts and got enough outs to qualify for the win.
The bullpen provided a mixed bag of results that epitomized spring training's evaluation period. Luis Medina threw a clean inning with a strikeout, while Brooks Kriske logged two solid frames allowing just one earned run. However, Domingo Robles struggled mightily in the eighth, surrendering four earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning, including a three-run homer to Rece Hinds that made things uncomfortably close.
Eighth Inning Drama Nearly Changes Everything
What looked like a comfortable 9-3 Athletics lead heading into the eighth quickly evaporated when Cincinnati's offense exploded for four runs. Hinds' three-run blast off Robles was the big blow, while JJ Bleday added a two-run homer earlier in the game as part of his 1-for-4 day. The Reds finished with 12 hits of their own, matching the A's total and making this a true offensive showcase.
Colton Johnson stepped up when it mattered most, earning the save with a clean ninth inning on just 13 pitches. His ability to shut the door after Robles' struggles will be noted by the coaching staff as roster decisions loom.
Spring Training Context and Looking Ahead
While the final score might suggest a pitching problem, games like this serve their purpose in spring training. The Athletics got extended looks at their depth pieces, saw encouraging offensive production from key players like McNeil and Gelof, and identified areas where improvement is needed before the regular season.
The two errors by Cincinnati helped the A's cause, but Sacramento's ability to capitalize on mistakes and maintain offensive pressure throughout nine innings was a positive takeaway. With perfect 78-degree weather and 3,178 fans in attendance, it was an ideal day for baseball evaluation.
As spring training continues, performances like McNeil's perfect day and Gelof's consistent contact will boost confidence, while the bullpen's inconsistency provides clear areas of focus for the coaching staff heading into the final weeks of preparation.