Melvin displeased Giants hit Laureano, ‘whacked' Murphy

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The A's dropped the series finale of the Battle of the Bay to the Giants on Sunday, and in doing so failed to clinch the AL West. It remains a matter of when -- not if -- Oakland will secure its first division title since 2013, though, and manager Bob Melvin didn't overreact following the 14-2 loss.

He did, however, voice a bit of displeasure toward the Giants. Not once, but twice.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Ramón Laureano was drilled by a pitch, bringing his league-leading total to 12 HBPs in 49 games played so far this season. Melvin didn't suggest it was in any way intentional, but nonetheless he was a bit perturbed. 

"I think he'll be all right," Melvin told reporters. "He's been hit so many times this year. I know he's on top of the plate, but he's been hit quite a bit, so it gets a little frustrating."

Laureano was hit 11 times in 123 games last season, so there's no question that it has become a more common occurrence. Given how important he is to the A's, Melvin's frustration is understandable.

He was similarly frustrated about another one of his players getting hit -- only in this case, it was with a bat. Catcher Sean Murphy got hit by a Giants' backswing on more than one occasion.

"He probably got hit four times," Melvin added. " ... I know he's apologetic, but you just can't keep whacking guys."

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Murphy was able to stay in the game, and should be fine for the upcoming three-game series against the Dodgers. Still, you can see why Melvin would be extra sensitive about it, given his 10 seasons spent behind the plate during his playing career.

Melvin's frustrations likely were compounded by the blowout loss, but he and the A's can depart for Los Angeles knowing they got the better of their Bay Area rivals. And with a division title within their grasps, they should be able to get over Sunday's loss in no time.

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