Brad Ausmus filled out his lineup card. Back then, five hours ago, the team was so full of hope. They were going to play baseball! With the best player in baseball! With the best defensive player in baseball! With the most exciting player in baseball! And with the player who has the best active career in baseball!
Things started superbly. After a Brian Goodwin single and an Albert Pujols scorched double, A’s ace (let’s be honest, all of their pitchers are aces to us) Tanner Roark struck out Shohei Ohtani to end the inning.