First big league save for Athletics’ Erceg demonstrates it’s not all Mason Miller

OAKLAND — Pitcher T.J. McFarland almost felt sorry for the Baltimore Orioles.

Mason Miller, the Athletics’ right-hander who has become a phenomenon with his ability to throw anywhere from 101 to 104 miles per hour with the greatest of ease, was taking a second day off Sunday after pitching back-to-back for the first time this season on Thursday and Friday.

So Lucas Erceg, who has been used as a set-up man for Miller, was given the ninth inning by manager Mark Kotsay.

“I’m sure the Orioles were like...