Fresh off a blown save on Thursday, César Valdez took the mound a day later with the Orioles clinging to a one-run lead. Valdez, again, did not appear to have his best stuff. The 36-year-old struggled with his command and allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to reach base before recording the first out of the inning.
With the stakes raised, Valdez bounced back. Rio Ruiz caught a sharp line drive by Mitch Moreland, and both Seth Brown and Elvis Andrus flew out to center field to end the game. John Means picked up the win, Valdez notched the save and the Orioles beat the Athletics 3-2 in the first of a three game series.