Bradley Lifts A’s With Walk-Off Shot

Milton Bradley might be the one to provide that powerful, middle-of-the-order bat the Oakland Athletics have been missing.

Bradley hit a three-run shot for his first career walk-off home run after Toronto rallied in the top of the ninth, lifting the A’s to a 6-5 victory over the Blue Jays on Sunday. The win maintained Oakland’s half-game lead in the American League West over the Angels, who won at Boston.

Bradley is playing well after two stints on the disabled list, showing the potential General Manager Billy Beane liked in December when he acquired the mercurial outfielder from the Dodgers.

“I’m just me,” said Bradley, admittedly frustrated with criticisms this season. “I go out there and play my ballgame. Sometimes I play good, sometimes I make mistakes. I’m a human being.”

Bradley hit his sixth home run off closer B.J. Ryan (1-1) and finished with four RBIs.

“It feels good, especially when I read in the paper that I’ve got a tired act,” he said. “I’ve done nothing but play hard. It’s a shame people look to gain in their personal career by tearing me down.”