Elephant Rumblings: A’s and Giants split final, emotional Bay Bridge Series

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s and Giants played what appears to have been the final Bay Bridge Series this weekend, and it was certainly one to remember. Oakland got excellent starting pitching in both games: Osvaldo Bido carried a no-hitter into the sixth in Saturday’s victory, while JP Sears shone yet again on Sunday, pitching into the eighth inning and holding the Giants to a single run.

Sunday’s game was a nail biter that unfortunately fell apart in extras, as the A’s failed at a bid to sweep a series for a fifth consecutive time. The outcome was disappointing, but the convergence of so many that have contributed to the rich history of the A’s at the Coliseum is something I’ll remember for a long time—it was perhaps the most palpable “farewell” moment so far this season, one that likely heralds the flurry to come as we rapidly approach the final month of Oakland A’s baseball. Ever.

Saturday saw the final Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Coliseum. Inductee Jose Canseco was as visibly emotional as anyone I’ve seen about the storied chapter of this franchise that is nearing its close. And while I don’t love that Bob Melvin, Matt Chapman, and Mark Canha are all Giants now, it just seemed too damn fitting to have them on hand for the occasion as representatives of the last great A’s team.

Canha scooped up a memento from his last game at the Coli.

Chappy got a souvenir too, while BoMel was content to soak in the memories.

I hate to be a drag here, but this whole “end of the A’s in Oakland” feeling just sunk in that much deeper as I was writing this. It feels pretty damn real now. It’s tough to juggle the poignancy of reminiscence and the indignity of what is happening to the team.

Have a fantastic week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics drop finale against Giants, wrap rivalry with 4-2 loss
• The 2024 A’s Had A Great July, A Great July, And A Great July
• A’s roster moves: Rooker back, Alvarez optioned, plus a new reliever
• The final Oakland A’s Hall of Fame class was inducted before Saturday’s Bay Bridge Series game against the Giants
• A’s Holman faces Little League teammate Schmitt of Giants in MLB debut ($)
• ‘I got chills then and I get chills now’: A’s reflect on Bay Bridge Series as it nears end ($)
• Jose Canseco’s tears underscore emotions over A’s leaving Oakland: ‘I’m an emotional wreck’ ($)
• Chapman, Canha take heartfelt mementos after last game at Coliseum
• A’s to Place Austin Adams on the IL

MLB News & Interest:

• Freddie Freeman To Undergo Imaging On Injured Finger
• AL Notes: Verlander, Garcia, Buxton, Paddack, Rangers, Skubal
• NL Injury Notes: Kim, Marte, Nimmo
• Braves Notes: Riley, Lopez
• NL West Notes: Black, Treinen, Graterol, Rodriguez, Jones
• Tigers Designate Gio Urshela, Easton Lucas For Assignment
• Reds Claim Amed Rosario Off Waivers From Dodgers
• Mets Activate Starling Marte, Designate Ben Gamel For Assignment
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Big crowd for the Bay Bridge finale.

Jose showed his softer side during his induction.

Piscotty in the hizz.

Maxwell too!

Home run history lesson.