In a game that saw a late start due to some wet weather, The Oakland A’s jumped out to an early lead, and eventually had to battle back to force extra innings. But the A’s found a way to hang on for the victory tonight by a score of 5-4 in at the soggy Coliseum.
The approximately 1:25 minute rain delay let up for the first few innings but came back rather steadily, although there were no more stoppages of play. Brett Anderson still had a pretty good start after the long delay, pitching 6 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts. Michael Wuertz also gave up an earned run out of the bullpen, while Grant Balfour (W 3-1) got the win with his extra inning of work.
The A’s plated some runs with small ball and Angels errors in the fifth inning as David DeJesus scored on a Alberto Callaspo error, followed by a Cilff Pennington RBI single then a Josh Willing a sacrifice fly. The Angels battled back with some small ball of their own, taking the lead with a Callaspo fielder’s choice, Trumbo sacrifice fly, and 2 run single from Howie Kendrick in the sixth and seventh.
Coco Crisp stole second with two outs in the ninth, and evenetually scored off a Daric Barton single to force extra innings. Then in the bottom of the tenth, Kurt Suzuki and Conor Jackson were walked by Fernando Rodney (L 2-2), then advanced on a wild pitch. Mark Ellis’ fielder’s choice scored the winning run in walk off fashion to push the A’s back over .500.
Full box score can be found here.
The A’s and Angels will conclude their two game series tomorrow as Gio Gonzalez (4-2 2.68 ERA) will take the mound to face Tyler Chatwood (2-1 3.67 ERA) for the Halos. Coverage can be found on CSN California and Sports Radio 95.7 FM.
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