Another Series Win! Are the A's Finally Turning a Corner?

Hobbes is back, and for once, there's a little sunshine breaking through the clouds. The A's took another series from the Twins, giving the team back-to-back series victories and a stretch of four wins in five games that actually gives A's fans something to smile about. Hobbes breaks down the ugly series opener, Jeffrey Springs' struggles, the A's maddening habit of leaving runners stranded, and the late offensive rally that made a blowout look a whole lot more respectable. Then comes the good stuff: Gage Jump's outstanding start, Carlos Cortes getting his power stroke back, Jeff McNeil continuing to rake, Henry Bolte making an impact, and the bullpen surviving long enough to preserve a win. Hobbes also takes a hard look at Hayden Younger, the decision-making from the dugout, Elvis Alvarado finally getting another ninth-inning opportunity, and why seeing the A's players actually smiling matters more than it might seem. As always, Hobbes hands out flowers where they're deserved—and a few asterisks where they're definitely not.