The Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland A’s in Opening Day play on Monday by a 2-0 score. The win was enough to cause A’s fans to boo, and to send the American League saves leader to the dugout without a win.
Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray battled through six innings against the Indians, before leaving with both tied at zero. At the top of the ninth, the score was the same as the A’s sent in closer Jim Johnson, who boasts 101 saves over the last two seasons.
After facing five batters, Johnson gave up two runs, allowing the Indians to beat the A’s with the points they earned at the hands of the former Oriole.
Johnson was sent to the A’s during this past off-season in a trade to Baltimore for Jemile Weeks. Although Johnson had a phenomenal 2012 season, 2013 will riddled with blown saves and heartache for Orioles fans. The former all-star revisited his past Monday with yet another blown save. And just like in Baltimore, the fans weren’t too appreciative in Oakland, either.
“I would have booed me, too,” Johnson said in an interview.”I deserved it. The next time, though, they’ll be cheering.”
Here’s how Twitter responded to Johnson’s performance:
LOL at Jim Johnson blowing his first save with Oakland last night
— Shit O's Fans Say (@OsFansSay) April 1, 2014
Jim Johnson began the #athletics season by blowing a save? No surprise there. Have fun with that Oakland.
— Courtney (@CourtneyZil) April 1, 2014
Thx Jim Johnson for blowing the game for Oakland and not the Orioles yesterday!!!# still got me good bc I needed Oakland for $100 LMAO nice!
— Erik Fowble (@efowble) April 1, 2014
I do feel for Jim Johnson, who was boo'ed by the Oakland crowd last night.
He was great for the O's in 2012 and 2013… He'll bounce back.
— DJC ⚾️ (@TBLDaily) April 1, 2014
So Jim Johnson went all Jim Johnson and lost his first game with Oakland
— ↪zach gouker (@goukpatty) April 1, 2014
Also, I am putting my Jim Johnson Oakland A's bobblehead project on hold. Not in the mood.
— Sam (@phutmasterflex) April 1, 2014
The Cleveland Indians hope to continue the momentum of this win throughout the season, especially with the help of newly-signed catcher Yan Gomes.
The ink was still wet on the contract when the young player, who experienced a break-out season last year, sat behind the plate on Monday. Gomes and the club agreed to a six year, $23 million deal, which also includes club options for 2020 and ’21 that could bring the total to $42 million over eight years, or even $48 million with escalators.
Gomes is the first Brazilian-born player in the majors, and is appreciative and excited about the opportunity.
“This is a huge blessing getting a contract like this, but now we’re talking about taking this team to another level,” he said in an interview.
Image via Cleveland Indians, Twitter
