The A's have gotten off to a solid start, posting a 6-4 record after taking three out of four from the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox.
But the early-season success isn't limited to the big league club.
The Las Vegas Aviators, Oakland's Triple-A affiliate, took the field for the first time Thursday, and a few important names had memorable 2019 debuts.
Center fielder Dustin Fowler, acquired from the Yankees in the Sonny Gray trade, went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs. Shortstop Jorge Mateo, who was also acquired in the Gray trade, went 3-for-5 with a home run, a triple and three RBI, while Skye Bolt made an incredible diving catch to seal the first win in Aviators history.
Season Opener Skye ✈️⚾️😉
OF @Skyebolt20 comes in for the landing on a diving catch to secure the first-ever win for #AviatorsLV! pic.twitter.com/dcCBsiBZcd— Las Vegas Aviators (@AviatorsLV) April 5, 2019
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Fowler and Mateo both impressed during spring training but were optioned to Las Vegas to continue to hone their games.
Elsewhere on the farm, 2016 supplemental first-round pick Daulton Jefferies took the mound for the first time in two years after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He tossed three scoreless innings in a 4-1 win for the Single-A Stockton Ports. Meanwhile, outfielder Greg Deichmann notched three hits, including two doubles, in his Double-A debut.
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All in all, it was a successful day on the farm for the A's.
