Parker Stifles Angels Offense as A’s Win Again
By PUNisher
Sep 10, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker (11) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE
A great pitching performance from Parker tonight and runs from all parts of the lineup help end the Halos winning streak and extend the A’s winning streak to 4 games.
The night started with an almost home run by Coco Crisp who on the first pitch of the game hit one off the right field fence for a triple. On the very next pitch Seth Smith rolled over on a pitch to the first baseman which allowed Crisp to score.
Parker would cruise through the first two innings mixing his pitches well and efficiently getting the Halos out. Parker started the third getting the first two batters before walking Mike Trout. With Torii Hunter batting, Mike Trout attempted to steal second base and would have been thrown out had it not been for the tailing throw from Kottaras. The throw sailed off of Trout and went into right field which allowed Trout to advance to third. Hunter would proceed to double and end up on third with another A’s fielding miscue by Seth Smith (playing right field tonight – Reddick DHing).
The Angels would come up in the 4th and once again put a couple runners on with another fielding error from Stephen Drew. This was not entirely Drew’s fault as he had to charge the ball across second base and encountered a tough hop that he ended up kicking. Parker would get Trumbo to ground out into a double play to Josh Donaldson. What was most impressive on this play was the ability of Cliff Pennington to hang in at 2nd base and take a hit while turning the double play to first base. Cliff has been playing second base for less than a month now and everyday he seems to impresses (.500 batting avg over the past 9 games helps too).
Starting the top of the fifth, Brandon Moss blasted a Dan Haren inside breaking ball over the right field fence. Why pitchers still pitch Moss inside is beyond me, but great to see him make them pay for their mistakes. Cliff Pennington would also add a solo homer in the 6th on an inside fastball.
Parker would settle down and not allow a hit after the 4th inning. He would be replaced by Ryan Cook in the 8th who got the first out and then allowed a swinging bunt single by Trout. Hunter would ground out with Trout advancing to 2nd and then it was Cook against Pujols. Power vs. Power and Cook induced a lazy fly ball to Coco Crisp. Balfour came on in the 9th and picked up his 17th save of the year. The A’s bullpen has been tremendous the past four games not allowing any runs.
The A’s and Halos play game 2 tomorrow night at 7:05pm. It will feature the return of Dan Straily going against Jerome Williams (yes he’s still playing baseball).