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A’s young players thrive in playoff atmosphere
- Updated: October 2, 2016
SEATTLE — In extinguishing the Mariners’ postseason chances with a lively, 9-8 victory in 10 innings on Saturday night, a baby-faced A’s team not only enjoyed an atmosphere unlike any other this year but learned it can thrive in such settings.
The A’s roared to the tune of 16 hits in front of a thunderous crowd, half of them collected by Marcus Semien and rookie Joey Wendle, as they put to rest a five-game losing streak at the most inopportune time for the Mariners, who were officially eliminated from the American League Wild Card race with the loss.
“As a player, you thrive in an environment like that,” Wendle said. “It was one of those games where you wanted to be up there at the plate. There wasn’t a guy that didn’t want to be up there or have the ball hit to them.”
It just so happened to be Wendle’s turn with one out in the 10th inning and fellow rookie Bruce Maxwell standing on second courtesy of a leadoff double. Wendle stared down one strike from young Seattle flamethrower Edwin Diaz, then pounced on the next, sending it to right field for a double of his own to give the …
