Perkins (2-2) earned the win for Oakland after five innings of three earned runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out seven in Friday’s matchup with the Angels. He was touched for a two-run homer by Zach Neto in the fifth, but the Athletics bullpen held the lead the rest of the way.
This outing capped Perkins’ latest strong stretch, as he has now won his last two starts. Across those two outings he has allowed 10 runs over 14 innings while posting a 16:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio as a starter, after beginning his big-league career as a multi-inning reliever. Overall this season, he owns a 4.28 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and a 35:14 K:BB through 33.2 innings in 11 appearances. His next start is projected to come on the road against the Twins.
Takeaways:
– Perkins continues to show growth as a starter, delivering back-to-back wins and providing Oakland with some rotation stability.
– The homer by Neto was the lone blemish in a solid five-inning line, with the bullpen preserving the lead.
– His overall numbers suggest he’s been productive in a hybrid role, contributing both as a starter and from the bullpen this season.
What it means:
– The win adds to Perkins’ momentum as the Athletics navigate a crowded pitching staff, and his next start versus Minnesota will be a good test of his continued development as a building block in the rotation.
Summary: Perkins pitched five solid innings, earned the win, and continued a recent run of success that could strengthen Oakland’s pitching depth as they head into a series with the Twins. Positive momentum for a pitcher who has blended starter and long-relief roles this season.