The A’s opened their second half differently from how they opened their first half. With a loss. Now the challenge is to play far better than in the first 81 games, of which the A’s won just 35.
Perhaps more important is to see progress in players who are being developed for the future.
Any down-the-road plan is sure to include Sean Manaea, the broad-shouldered left-hander who pitched into the eighth inning Sunday only to watch the A’s lose 4-3 to the Braves in 12 innings.
Kurt Suzuki homered twice, including the game-winner in the 12th, and both times low-fived coach Ron Washington around third base, festive Coliseum moments for the former A’s.