Gray seeks another gem against Mariners
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(SportsNetwork.com) - Oakland's Sonny Gray tries to follow up a tremendous Opening Day performance on Saturday when the Athletics continue a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners.
Gray carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers on Monday, but allowed a leadoff single. It was the only hit he'd surrender in eight innings. Gray also struck out three and walked a batter.
"Whether it's now or 10 years from now, or 15, I wouldn't say I expect it, but I would not be surprised if Sonny Gray does throw a no-hitter one day," said Stephen Vogt, the A's catcher.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gray has faced the Mariners seven times and is 4-1 against them with a 2.36 ERA.
Seattle, meanwhile, will turn to lefty J.A. Happ, who was acquired from Toronto this offseason for outfielder Michael Saunders. Happ went 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA over 28 starts for Toronto in 2014.
Happ, who's 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four career outings against Oakland, didn't impress his new team this spring, pitching to a 6.11 ERA over five Cactus League starts.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oakland's offense exploded in Friday's opener, as Mark Canha smacked a two-run homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Drew Pomeranz tossed seven shutout innings and the Athletics routed Seattle, 12-0.
Canha's blast was his first in the big leagues. He's hitting .500 (7-of-14) with six RBI so far.
"It's pretty unbelievable," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He's swinging the bat great for us."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pomeranz (1-0) scattered two hits and struck out six for the A's, who split their season-opening four-game series against Texas.
Ike Davis tallied three hits, four RBI and a pair of runs scored, while Ben Zobrist posted two doubles and scored twice in the triumph.
Taijuan Walker (0-1) allowed nine runs on nine hits and two walks for Seattle, which has dropped three straight since winning on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We were on the receiving end tonight," Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon said.
Seattle was 10-9 versus the A's last season.