SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Mar 11) \u2014 The Athletics<\/a> bowed to the San Francisco Giants<\/a>, 5\u20133, on a blustery Tuesday afternoon at Scottsdale Stadium. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs<\/strong><\/a> improved his fastball command in his start but is not yet satisfied. Additionally, outfielder Drew Avans<\/a><\/strong> hit safely and scored a run in his third straight game.<\/p>\n Springs lasted 4 1\/3 innings, facing 20 batters. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out five. Manager Mark Kotsay<\/a><\/strong> said of his performance, \u201cI thought he was really good today. First Ball, the double in the first inning \u2014 the wind was howling pretty good. On a normal day. I think that falls in for an out. Then Schumann losing the ball (in the sun), I think (Springs) gave up one run that was earned, really.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought the stuff was good. The fastball had life today. (Velocity) was up a tick. He pitched off that. If you ask him, he’s probably going to say that he wasn’t great, but I liked what I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n Springs said he felt \u201cpretty good\u201d overall. A priority for him was fastball command, something he feels he hasn\u2019t executed well in his last two outings. \u201cI\u2019m trying to get that back,\u201d he said, \u201cbecause I\u2019m not someone who walks a lot of people.\u201d He liked that he got into the fifth inning but is still not satisfied with his first-inning efficiency. \u201cFirst inning I\u2019ve been throwing too many pitches,\u201d he commented. \u201cStill trying to cut that down.\u201d<\/p>\n Outfielder and non-roster invite Drew Avans singled, stole a base, and scored in the eighth inning. He last played Sunday in the Athletics\u2019 7\u20135 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a>, going 2-for-4 with a homer. Avans also hit safely Saturday against the Colorado Rockies<\/a>, going 1-for-4 with a double.<\/p>\n Avans, 28, was in the Dodgers\u2019 system between 2018 and 2024. Kotsay said of his recent performance, \u201cReally impressed with Drew. He came with a lot of praise from his Dodgers crew, especially (manager) Dave Roberts<\/a><\/strong>. He’s a baseball player, has instincts. You saw the ability to steal bases. He goes after it from the standpoint of playing defense out there. Intangibles, all of it \u2014 the makeup is there. He’s showing us why he wants to be on this roster.\u201d<\/p>\n The Athletics continue their Cactus League slate Wednesday afternoon, when they will host the Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a>. Osvaldo Bido<\/a><\/strong> will start for the Athletics against Ryne Nelson<\/a><\/strong> of the Diamondbacks in a duel of right-handers. First pitch at Hohokam Stadium will be at 1:05 pm Arizona Time.<\/p>\nPerformance of Jeffrey Springs<\/h3>\n
Drew Avans<\/h3>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n
Main Photo:<\/h4>\n