Elephant Rumblings: HIgh-A Lugnuts throw no-no

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Let’s focus on something positive today, shall we? Doing so necessitates moving down the organizational ladder, turning our gaze away from the dumpster fire in Oakland to Lansing, Michigan, where the High-A Lugnuts notched the fourth no-hitter in their franchise history.

Starting pitcher Jake Garland led the way with five innings of no hit ball, and Grant Judkins and Colton Johnson finished the job out of the bullpen. Congrats to this trio of young arms on a spectacular performance—please send some of your mojo the A’s way as it is desperately needed.

Good things are happening in Double-A, too. A’s third ranked prospect Denzel Clarke led the Rockhounds to an 8-5 victory against the Wichita Wind Surge with a three-hit performance that included this game-tying bomb.

Back to the dreary reality of our big league franchise, the A’s are also in the midwest today, playing the second of four games against the Twins. Today’s contest is a must-win for a shot at taking the series. But let’s just admit that we’d be delighted with a 2-2 split at this point, which a win today will make far more probable than a loss. Mitch Spence and his super slider will face off against the Twins righty Woods Richardson. Let’s go, Oakland! We really need something to cheer about this weekend.

Hope yours is fantastic, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics drop series opener to Twins 6-2
• Vegas, Athletics ballpark may benefit if MLB alters playoff format
• San Francisco Giants to Sign Pitcher From Oakland Ballers

MLB News & Interest:

• MLB trade targets for each contender, plus deadline priorities for all 30 teams ($)
• In Luis Arraez, the Padres have found the spiritual heir to Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew ($)
• Stat of the Week: Most Runs Saved At One Position (Teams)
• Around Bobby Witt Jr., Royals build a new culture and enter MLB’s modern era ($)
• Comparing the domination of Aaron Judge to Barry Bonds and others
• Road to Rickwood: For Giants’ Yastrzemski, Birmingham ballpark a family affair ($)
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

At least they are good at something..

San Diego fans made a show of solidarity.

Latest international signing.

Remembering the Reverse Boycott one year later.