A's hit the road after Coliseum sewage flood

ARLINGTON -- Athletics manager Bob Melvin said the team was fortunate the sewage flood in both clubhouses at O.co Coliseum on Sunday occurred at the end of a six-game homestand.

The Athletics and Mariners showered in the Raiders' locker room after the game as a result of backed up pipes during the game. The Athletics won't play in Oakland for another week when they start an eight-game homestand on June 25.

"We know Seattle well enough; we spent a trip with them in Japan last year," Melvin said. "Everyone was showering in the Raiders locker room. It was an inconvenience, but at the end of the day it's one day and we got on the road. Hopefully it's taken care of when we get home."

Josh Reddick went to watch video during the game when he found out the team couldn't shower in the clubhouse. He said the players weren't allowed near the bathroom area due to health concerns.

"They were vacuuming water off the carpet," Reddick said. "You couldn't even make it to the shower, unless you had the desire to walk in that. I don't think anybody did."

Jed Lowrie felt both teams made the best of the strange situation. He described the scene as a disgusting site.

"Hopefully they can get it cleaned before we get back," Lowrie said. "Hopefully there's no contamination or a potential health risk to the guys."

"It's been cleaned up and the damaged carpet will be replaced before the team returns," PR director Bob Rose confirmed.

O.co Coliseum was built in 1966, and the team's lease expires at the end of the season. It's been the club's only home since it moved to Oakland in '68.

"It could happen anywhere," Seth Smith said. "It was just a sewage backup. I don't think it was the age of the Coliseum. That happens in people's houses sometimes. I didn't think twice about it. It's just something that happens and nobody could control it."