Oakland was playing well, and trying to defend a 4-3 lead over the World Champion Red Sox. However, things fell apart for the A’s in the latter innings this morning in Japan.
Reliever Huston Street was credited with the loss, and rightfully so. With a one-run lead, Street gave up a single shot home-run to Brandon Moss in the 9th, pushing the game into extra innings. Then, in the 10th, with two runners on base, Manny Ramirez doubled off the center field wall, creating a two-run lead for Boston. Finally, Lenny DiNardo relieved Street and was able to wrap up the inning. Daric Barton scored in the bottom of the 10th for the A’s, but all hope was lost when Kurt Suzuki grounded out with two runners on base to end the game.
It’s the principle that goes back to Little League, the team with the most hits will probably win. And in this case, Oakland’s seven hits were no match for Boston’s 11.
Don’t worry, Oakland will have another shot against Boston, again, in Japan at 3:05 AM Wednesday. This time with A’s Rich Harden as the starting pitcher against the Red Sox’s Jon Lester.
