The Oakland A's playoff hits took another serious hit yesterday as they dropped a game on the Rangers in spite of taking two of three from the Red Sox. Two late Rangers comebacks negated the A's two wins and the Rangers had little trouble with the Yankees yesterday.
Now, the A's open a six game road trip that will take them to the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins. The A's open their series with the Royals by sending out journeyman minor league pitcher Bobby Cramer, who will make his major league debut tonight against Luke Hochevar. Cramer has bounced around the minors since 2003 and finaly found some success this season. Cramer was initially lent to Quintana Roo of the Mexican League for much of the season where he was 13-3 with a 2.95 era. Since returning to Sacramento, Cramer has gone 2-2 with a 1.94 era.
Gio Gonzalez will look to continue his hot streak on Tuesday against Zack Greinke, while Trevor Cahill looks to become the first 17-game winner for the A's since Mark Mulder in 2004.