Sorry for the lack of updates the last few days, been horribly busy at work, I didn’t even have time to put a page together, and I just figured I’ve give myself a mini break as we head down the stretch.
We got a little bit of revenge last night against the Orioles, as we beat ’em 6-4. Surpisingly, we got another decent starting pitching performance from someone you weren’t expecting it from – John Wasdin. Wasdin went six innings, giving up 2 runs on four hits, striking out four and walking two. A really nice performance. Our pen was it’s usual good self, except for Carlos Almanzar, who had a bit of a rough time out there (0.2IP, 3H, 2ER, 1BB). But, we got the job done.
Speaking of the pen, Francisco Cordero got his 40th save last night (in 42 chances). It was his 20th consecutive save in 20 chances, which beats the streak he had going earlier in the season. A most pleasant surprise there. I don’t think anyone doubted his ability, but I think most everyone thought he wouldn’t be this good for another year or so.
Offensively, we were led by Eric Young. Eric went only 2 for 2 officially, but he also walked twice, had a stolen base, two RBI, and was everything your leadoff guy wants. I’m not ready to proclaim him our leadoff guy, but he usually does good there, and he did get the job done tonight.
As usual, the other teams around us in the playoff hunt won again, so we’re not making up any ground. Was also interesting to see Steve Busby back in the TV booth tonight. I just wish he could be the backup instead of Bill Land. Bill’s a bit too boring for my tastes.

N/A

The game was 7-4, although it was 7-1 through two outs in the bottom of the 9th. The game feels like we lost 15-1, actually.
Johan Santana. That’s about all that needs to be said about this one.

Fire’s out. The winning streak is over at 8, tying a mark we set earlier this year.
Fortunately, the A’s also lost today, so we remain .5 games out.
Unfortunately, the Angels did win (although they swept the Yankees in the process), so they’re now tied with us for second, also at .5 games out.
Zack Greinke was masterful. He looked spectacular, and he did look like a high school kid out there, quite young looking. If he can keep that up, he’ll be an awseome pitcher for a long time.
Erickson was ineffective, giving up way too many walks, and a grand slam. Calvin Pickering, just called up today to replace former Ranger Ruben Mateo who was DFA’ed before the game, had the grand slam, as well as a second home run and 6 RBI total. Benoit wasn’t terribly great either, giving up a few more runs in his time on the mound. He was supposed to pitch Tuesday, but that’s not going to happen now, we need another starter for Tuesday’s game – likely the guy from the minors who was talked about (can’t remember his name right now).
Oh well. Disappointing, but I can’t say I’m unhappy with a 9-1 record over the last 10 games.
We got two runs, but we really didn’t deserve them – one came on a balk, and right now I can’t remember how the other showed up (sac fly, I think). It really feels like we got shut out.

Not much time to write. 8 in a row. Manny Alexander came through with a big hit, and Tex hit his 30th home run. Cordero was shaky again for the second day in a row, but still got the job done. Sunday afternoon we go for the sweep – would be our 9th in a row, and three consecutive series sweeps.

Not a whole lot to write about for this one. Ryan Drese labored a bit in the first inning, but settled down, and only allowed five hits and three runs over his 7+ innings of work to get the win – his 11th, and a career high. Almanzar and Cordero came on and didn’t allow any runs, but Cordero was a little shaky this outing; still got the save.
Offensively, we didn’t have much going on overall. We only had a total of four hits the entire game. However, THREE of them were home runs (one three run by Mench, and two solos by Dellucci), which accounted for all of our runs. One of Dellucci’s was a cool one into the fountain in right field.
We’ve won seven in a row, but aren’t making any progress, as the A’s and the Red Sox are winning as well.