A's @ D-backs; 3-game set

[hot_corner_gurl]

6-17-08
Duchscherer vs Webb

For the eigth time in ten starts, Duke allowed two or fewer runs. The only mistake he made was the homer to Giambi, but even he said that he didn't feel he fully connected on the pitch. Duke has only faced the D-backs once in his career, and it was in relief. He'll be going up against '06 Cy Young winner Brandon Webb. In his last start, Webb was very shaky. He was pulled after allowing three runs in five innings against the Mets. He was hit in the hip by a line drive, but the real reason for his early departure was because manager Bob Melvin wanted to rest Webb for this interleague start.


6-18-08
Blanton vs Haren

Blanton pitched another strong game, lasting 6 2/3. He lost the game on one pitch - the grand slam to Matsui. Our offense didn't help him much either, as we lost the game 4-1. Wednesday's start will be his first ever against Arizona, and his first against former teammate, Dan Haren. In Haren's last start, he pitched six innings of two-run ball, but ended up with a ND as he was pitching against the Mets' Santana. This will be his first start against his former team and both starting pitchers are greatly looking forward to this game.


6-19-08
Smith vs Davis

In Smith's last start, he gave up a career-high six walks, but other than that pitched well enough to get the win. He allowed only one run, despite loading the bases multiple times. He said after the game that he wanted to work on his mechanics, but that "a win's a win", and that he'd take whatever he can get. Davis pitched seven shutout innings in his last start, but also allowed four walks and six hits in a ND. He's struggled with his command all season, but especially since coming off the DL. He hasn't won a game since May 23, the day he was activated.



The D-backs were/are in a slump for a while, but they're looking to turn that around. Meanwhile, we're coming off a three game sweep of the Giants where our pitchers and our bullpen were lights out. Hopefully we can continue the great pitching and win another interleague series!

[Providence A's]

yea, just noticed the A's have a better record than Arizona right now...that surprised me.

[hot_corner_gurl]

This game is a blowout. It's crazy...8-0 A's lead in the 5th. Webb was struggling from pitch #1. He walked five in 3 1/3 innings, while allowing seven runs on seven hits. Three of those hits were homers by Suzuki, Chavez, and Ellis, who continues his hot streak. I dunno what's gotten into Webb, but whatever it was, hallelujah, because this was supposed to be the toughest game.

[hot_corner_gurl]

Some weird play just ensued. Didn't completely follow it. All I know is that it's now 8-1.

[riverdunesrat]

A's fans might like to know that the D'bags announcer Mark Grace is very impressed with the way the A's are playing tonight.

[Providence A's]

quite frankly, I don't give a damn

[riverdunesrat]

quite frankly, I don't give a damn

Didn't think you would.

[Bon Bon]

A's slaughter the D-Backs tonight 15-1. 6 homeruns for the A's and Brandon Webb gets rocked for 7 runs in 3.1 innings.

[hot_corner_gurl]

Woohoo that was a great game last nite. But we've got to look forward to today's game (and hopefully we saved some runs for tonite's game too!!!) It's Blanton vs Haren, which looks to be the best game of the series IMO.

[Dbackies]

i went to the game last. we got killed. i should of went tonight, 11-1 right now.

[Bon Bon]

The D-Backs are sure getting back on the A's tonight.

[hot_corner_gurl]

Yeah Dan Haren really got his ex-team back. We were held to only one run, while the D-backs teed off on Blanton. The rubber match of the series is gonna start in a few minutes...hopefully Smith will be able to get ahead of the hitters and hopefully we'll have our hitting shoes on against Davis.

[Providence A's]

Blanton is really doing all he can do to kill his trade value, eh?

[hot_corner_gurl]

Haha sure seems like it.

[hot_corner_gurl]

Well we lost the rubber match of the series, 2-1. Hm. Figures that you'd have a pitchers duel after two slugfests. We weren't able to muster ay offense against Davis. Smith and our bullpen did a great job keeping the game close, but we couldn't get guys on base and when we did we couldn't get them home. So now it's back home for a series against the Marlins.