Limited to just 10 games last season due to a right UCL sprain that kept him out for three months, right-handed pitcher Mason Miller has been nothing short of exceptional in his seven appearances as the Athletics’ formidable closer for the 2024 MLB season.
Continuing his impressive streak, Oakland’s former top-ranked pitching prospect sealed the A’s 2-0 triumph over the New York Yankees on Monday by striking out Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge – three of the most intimidating hitters in MLB – in consecutive order during the ninth inning.
With an average fastball velocity of 101.8 mph on eight pitches and 87.4 mph on six sliders, Miller produced 12 strikeouts on 14 pitches, exhibiting unwavering confidence in his debut at Yankee Stadium.
Despite his fastball reaching a peak velocity of 103.3 mph during the game, Miller has maintained an impressive record, conceding just six hits over nine innings this season.
Establishing himself as a dependable asset in the A’s bullpen, the 25-year-old’s versatility and dominance have not gone unnoticed by Oakland manager Mark Kotsay, especially considering Miller’s initial projection as a starter when he was selected 97th in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Miller’s standout performance capped off Oakland’s first shutout victory at New York since 2013, showcasing an exemplary display by the A’s pitching staff overall.
Leading the charge on Monday was right-handed starter JP Sears, who limited his former team to only three hits over six scoreless innings while recording seven strikeouts. He was followed by right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg, who secured the win with two clean innings before Miller’s flawless performance.
Together, the trio stifled New York’s potent offense, ranked fifth in league-wide OBP (.333), holding them to just three hits and two walks.
Although Oakland’s offense struggled, managing only three hits until the ninth inning deadlock, Zack Gelof’s game-winning 377-foot home run off left-handed New York reliever Victor González turned the tide, scoring both himself and Abraham Toro, who reached base with an infield single in the preceding at-bat.
Gelof’s homer not only helped the A’s bounce back from a weekend sweep by the Cleveland Guardians but also served as a pivotal moment for the struggling 24-year-old, who has faced challenges hitting left-handed pitchers this season.
With an opportunity to reset, Gelof’s home run during his Yankee Stadium debut is a timely reminder of his potential.
Emphasizing the need for impactful plays, Kotsay witnessed his team deliver precisely that with Gelof’s homer and Miller’s commanding performance.
Oakland’s victory left the road team jubilant, contrasting with the frustration felt by New York manager Aaron Boone, who was erroneously ejected in the top of the first inning by home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after misconstruing a fan’s remarks as his own.
