Dodgers Fall to Athletics 7-1 Despite Barnes' Start

A Heavy Inning Count for Barnes

Charlie Barnes struggled to contain the Sacramento Athletics offense during his start on Thursday, allowing seven earned runs while striking out just two batters. The left-hander pitched seven innings but gave up 12 hits and walked two batters before being removed from the contest. The loss dropped his record to 0-1 for the season.

The Athletics, playing at home at Sutter Health Park, took advantage of Barnes' struggles to build a lead that would never be threatened. The final score stood at 7-1 in favor of Sacramento, improving their record to 41-46, while the Los Angeles Dodgers fell to 56-31.

Early Scoring Exchange

The game began with both teams trading home runs in the early innings. In the second inning, Dodgers player Heim launched a 444-foot home run to center field, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 advantage. The Athletics answered in the third inning when Freeman hit a 431-foot home run to right center, tying the game at 1-1.

The momentum shifted in the fourth inning when the Athletics loaded the bases. Butler grounded out to the shortstop, allowing Heim to score from second base and advancing Kuroda-Grauer to third. On the next play, Bolte singled to center field, driving in Kuroda-Grauer to give Sacramento a 3-1 lead.

Athletics Extend Lead in Fifth

Sacramento added to its advantage in the fifth inning with a sequence of timely hits. Langeliers hit a 433-foot home run to left center, extending the lead to 4-1. Shortly after, Thomas doubled to center field, scoring Kurtz to make it 5-1. Heim then singled to left field, bringing Thomas home for a 6-1 lead.

The Athletics sealed the victory in the eighth inning when Williams hit a 404-foot home run to left center, pushing the final margin to 7-1.

Pitching Relief Secures Win

After Barnes was removed, the Athletics bullpen stepped in to close out the game. J.T. Ginn earned the win for Sacramento, pitching six innings and allowing only one earned run on three hits while striking out four batters. His record improved to 7-4.

Luis Medina pitched 1.2 innings of relief, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three batters. Hogan Harris closed the game with 1.3 innings of work, allowing one hit and striking out four batters without issuing a walk.

The game was played in front of 12,592 spectators at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. The Dodgers' Jack Dreyer made one appearance, pitching one hitless inning with three strikeouts.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815991