Meh. I think he was just trying to get out of the 8th without using the bullpen because he was expecting extra innings. Plus Price had gone 7.2 innings while holding the A's to 1 run and needing less than 100 pitches. After "once 2 reached," the next batter was Lowrie, who had been killing us. Price struck him out. Why are you so sure Carson Smith, the guy in the bullpen, would have done as well? My guess is, had Lowrie hit a double and drive in just one run against Carson Smith, the chorus would now be, "why did Cora take Price out when he had pitched so well for 7.1 innings and brought in Carson Smith of all people?"