The A’s rolled into Miami and left with a series win, thanks to a gritty 3-2 victory capped off by a clutch ninth-inning rally. JP Sears was nails on the mound, spinning 6.1 strong innings and giving up just two runs on four scattered hits. The Marlins never got comfortable against the lefty, who mixed speeds, painted corners, and kept the fish flailing all afternoon. The A's bullpen slammed the door late, setting the stage for some ninth-inning heroics.

With the game tied in the final frame, rookie slugger Nick Kurtz stepped up and smoked a triple into the left-field corner, turning up the pressure in a big spot. Mark Kotsay pulled the right string, sending up Tyler Soderstrom to pinch hit—and the kid delivered. Soderstrom laced a line drive single through to centerfield, plating Kurtz with what turned out to be the game-winning run. Just like that, the A’s took the series in Miami and reminded everyone that this team isn’t here to be polite—they’re here to win.

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