The Oakland A’s strategy to begin the AL Wild Card Game with a reliever did not work out well.
Reliever Liam Hendriks began the game against the New York Yankees, allowing a walk and then a 2-run home by Aaron Judge over the first two batters. That put the A’s in a quick 2-0 hole against the Yankees.
Twitter quickly jumped on the A’s after their strategy backfired.
Your bullpen game only works so well when your bullpen doesn't start with Laim Hendriks and his 4.7 career ERA
— Grey-eth Southgate (@spacemnkymafia) October 4, 2018
Yes, start your garbage bullpen against this lineup. Thank you very much! pic.twitter.com/jUSI67YU4X
— Anthony Gargano (@AddictedtoDD) October 4, 2018
Opener? More like… more like… uh… more like open up that bullpen door pic.twitter.com/TmUA4APGoy
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) October 4, 2018
Bullpen game is the wild cat offense…cute but aint getting you the title.
— Shaun Morash (@MrazCBS) October 4, 2018
LET'S DO A BULLPEN GAME IN THE PLAYOFFS OAKLAND SAID IT'LL BE FINE OAKLAND SAID
— Wally, Not Wally (@NotWallyGM) October 4, 2018
Bullpen game, you say?#ALWildCard pic.twitter.com/fhvQAGKHyu
— NY Daily News Sports (@NYDNSports) October 4, 2018
A’s were determined to use their bullpen often tonight and #Yankees seem happy to oblige.
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) October 4, 2018
When you have to face the Yankees’ lineup — one that set a record for most home runs by a team in the regular season — you better be ready with your best stuff. Grooving a pitch to Aaron Judge is not the best strategy.
