Game Recap: Cole Deals, Offense Reels. A’s take first Game 2-0

Despite several recent sub-par performances, tonight Gerrit Cole showed why he is an All Star. Unfortunately the offense and his bullpen failed to provide the support he needed to get the win he surely deserved.

Cole dealt a six inning, three hit shutout. He had remarkable command, getting 71 strikes out of 107 pitches, as well as shut down stuff, throwing 23 whiffs. His game score was 74. His last out came on a third strike clocked at 100 mph.

The offense, however, could only manage seven base runners, five hits and two walks, and only two runners in scoring position. In the ninth inning they managed two hits against the league’s best closer by ERA, Blake Treinen, but Evan Gattis struck out to end the game.

The one offensive bright spot was George Springer’s two hits, his first two hit game since June 10th.

Brad Peacock took the loss, surrendering a home run to Stephen Piscotty in the seventh to break the shutout. It was the fourth home run he has surrendered in his last three appearances. Frankie Montas (5-2) got the win.

The A’s would add another run in the eighth when Will Harris walked two, and then Joe Smith allowed Piscotty to get his second RBI on a single up the middle.

Gerrit Cole had 11 strikeouts in 6 innings tonight, giving him 169 for the season, an Astros record for most strikeouts before the All Star game.

Tomorrow Sean Manaea (8-6, 3.33 ERA) faces Justin Verlander (9-4, 2.54 ERA) at 7:10 CDT.

Box Score and video here.