A's Shut Out Mets 4-0 Behind J.T. Ginn's Strong Start and Stellar Bullpen

The Oakland Athletics blanked the New York Mets 4-0 on Friday night at Citi Field behind a dominant start by J.T. Ginn and a shutdown performance from their bullpen. Ginn earned the win after four scoreless innings while the A’s pitching staff extended its scoreless innings streak to 26.

J.T. Ginn made a strong case for a spot in the A’s starting rotation, pitching four innings and allowing just one hit. He struck out four batters and walked one while throwing 53 pitches. Ginn entered the game on short rest and with a limited workload, but he looked sharp and composed throughout.

Mark Kotsay was clear about Ginn’s potential role ahead of the game. “I think, for the present and future, Ginn is the guy that we’d love to have in that spot,” Kotsay said two hours before first pitch. “Hopefully, he takes ownership of it and doesn’t look back.”

The A’s bullpen followed Ginn with five consecutive scoreless innings. Mark Leiter Jr., Jack Perkins, Scott Barlow and Elvis Alvarado combined to allow just one hit while striking out six. The performance continued a dominant stretch for Oakland’s relief corps, which has allowed zero runs over its last 21 innings.

Offensively, the Athletics got to New York starter Luis Morales in the third inning. Jeff McNeil led the way with two hits, including an RBI single in the ninth that helped spark a three-run rally. McNeil has now recorded multiple hits in three of his last five games.

Oakland improved to 28-25 on the season and remains in the thick of the AL Wild Card race. The Mets fell to 26-27 and continue to struggle with a lack of run support for their pitching staff. The A’s have now won five of their last seven games.

With the win, the Athletics hold a one-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the second Wild Card spot. The Mets remain in second place in the NL East, four games behind the Atlanta Braves.

The teams will continue their three-game series on Saturday afternoon. Right-hander Paul Blackburn is scheduled to start for Oakland while New York will turn to Taijuan Walker. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. ET.