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A's win 4-2 as Ziggy shines in closer debut

Recent_family_ones_july__07_091_tiny by notsellingjeans on

See? They're not so bad after all!

The A's ensured that they wouldn't close the year on a 58-game losing streak by beating the host Tigers 4-2 Friday night.

Dallas Braden threw seven very good innings, hitting his spots and walking only one while striking out two.  Braden will probably never be big strikeout guy in the big leagues since he lacks eye-popping stuff, but certainly he's improved as a pitcher in the last 12 months. 

When you don't throw very hard, sometimes you can get beat even when you make good pitches, and that explains the only blemish on Braden's line tonight.  Marcus Thames crushed a ball about 440 feet to straight away center to stake the Tigers to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but it wasn't a bad pitch.  It was right around the knees and it was on the outside corner. 

On the offensive end, the A's took the lead in the fifth with a 3-run rally.  Rajai Davis,  who cracked the lineup due to Ryan Sweeney and Jack Cust's minor injuries, had a two-run single, and Mark Ellis eventually followed with a run-scoring single to make it 3-2. 

In the sixth, Emil Brown tacked on an insurance run with a solo bomb. 

But like any bad journalist, I've saved the real story for last, buried at the bottom:  Brad Ziegler.

Ziegler shined in his closer debut, pitching both the eighth and the ninth innings and extending his record scoreless inning streak to begin a career to 37.  We're not too far from needing this sheet for reference, so I'm gonna link to it now. That's all the pitchers in history who have thrown 40 consecutive scoreless innings or more. There's only 21 of them, led of course by Orel Hershiser at 59. 

Awesome win, and I think we're all incredibly happy for Brad Ziegler and the wonderful story of never giving up that he represents.  That, to me, is unquestionably the highlight of the A's season.

 

 

 

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that was...quick

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Aug 8, 2008 6:46 PM PDT   0 recs

He's had it ready for 11 days

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 6:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think this is the fastest I've ever seen a post-game AN wrap-up go up.

Nice :]

A’S WIN!!!!! Wonder if the whole team got some slump-busters…

Stuck on Buck :)

by GreenNGoldGirl on Aug 8, 2008 6:47 PM PDT   0 recs

WOOO!!

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Aug 8, 2008 6:48 PM PDT   0 recs

Ziggy rocks

By process of elimination (the only process I endorse), I guess that makes you a piece of lamb. @('.')@

by Leopold Bloom on Aug 8, 2008 6:49 PM PDT   0 recs

The list...misspelled Ziggy's name...

I before E, except after C people, can’t be that hard.

I see the future. I see cake.

by Blicks on Aug 8, 2008 6:49 PM PDT   0 recs

I don't beLIEve you

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 6:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Neither does my nEIghbor.

"I'm going to take a camera crew and march into Billy Beane's office and demand to know why instituting his newfangled cost-saving measures means that the run manufacturing plant had to get shut down." FJM

by Elvez on Aug 8, 2008 7:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, it can be with names that clearly come from another language

What’s the rule in German (just assuming that’s what the name is. Looks very German)? I don’t know the language so I can’t say, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the English “I before E” rule came from a Germanic language.

by thejd44 on Aug 8, 2008 8:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm confused. I forgot what this felt like.

And Ziggy Rocks of course.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 8, 2008 6:49 PM PDT   0 recs

Now let the winning streak begin…

by justarebelheart on Aug 8, 2008 6:50 PM PDT   0 recs

A's win!

The pennant’s within reach! I can feel it!

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 8, 2008 6:56 PM PDT   0 recs

AL
Brad Zeigler
Oakland
27.0
05-31-2008
Active

baseball almanac needs an update

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 8, 2008 6:57 PM PDT   0 recs

Got McQuillan's name wrong, too

(though it’s correct at the linked page)

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Aug 8, 2008 7:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Aug 8, 2008 7:04 PM PDT   0 recs

Handel

So hot right now.

Handel.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 8, 2008 11:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Earth to Matilda!

Helloooooo…hellooooooo…

"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox

by Gallagher's Watermelons on Aug 9, 2008 1:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And props for using my quote in the sig

Thanks! :D

"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox

by Gallagher's Watermelons on Aug 9, 2008 1:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Our Ziggy is King of Sling.

Forever. And ever.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Aug 9, 2008 3:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wikipedia, on the other hand, is already updated.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Aug 8, 2008 7:05 PM PDT   0 recs

wikipedia updates before real life

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 8, 2008 7:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll take the 'blame' for that

I also wrote up the summary of his minor league times. Just waiting for all of his stats to update so I can tweak the ones there to get the batting average and such.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 8, 2008 7:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Good job.

I trust you were as indignant as I was when, a while back, someone recommended some Wikipedia pages as a fun place to post A’s related jokes.

The true Wiki spirit is an awesome thing.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Aug 8, 2008 7:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

!!!!!!!!!!!

What a beautiful way to start a weekend.

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 8, 2008 7:06 PM PDT   0 recs

ZIGGY STARDUST.

The A’s new closer. Now, all we need to do, guys, is to have a lead into the ninth. (Hate to see Zig-Zag have to go two innings too often.)

Anyway, Ziggy Stop (not unlike Iggy Pop) once again gave up ziltch.

Hmmm, as I formulate Ziegler’s nickname for the ages (Stardust, Zig-Zag, ad nauseam), perhaps Ziggy Zilch is ze winner!

Thank goodness we’re in the win column. Everything tastes, looks, smells a whole lot better.

Holy Toledo!!!

by Johnny U on Aug 8, 2008 7:07 PM PDT   0 recs

I agree, but also think he probably shouldn't pitch tomorrow

It would be three days in a row and four out of five (with two of those being 2 inning stints). I know his throwing style probably makes him a little more “rubber arm” than most, but we’re 54-61; let’s not push our luck with the health of any of our key pieces.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 7:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Right. At the same time I doubt him serving as the closer will result in a lot of work these days.

Though he did feel like they’re capable of winning 8 of 9 if they can just get the first one. Optimism is good!

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 8, 2008 7:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Since I've been in Japan without my wife, I've had to ride the hot hand as well

One more week….

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Aug 9, 2008 3:37 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

BTW, Ken said Cunningham has been promoted to Sacramento

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 7:11 PM PDT   0 recs

good news

but how many OF are in sacto now?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 8, 2008 7:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yay Aaron!

Buck, Cunningham, Denorfia and Murton….plus Putnam if you count him.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 8, 2008 7:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Is Buck still DL/unconscious/comatose/dead?

That would leave only four.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 7:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Right so they can all play if one DH.

milb.com lists Buck twice, once as Active and once as 7-day DL. He’s not in the lineup tonight.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 8, 2008 7:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Is he sorry?

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Aug 8, 2008 8:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

So I clicked your user name

Then your myspace. And this absolutely killed me:

☮cathBUCK☮ in total, utter, head-over-heels, mind blowing, fuck inspiring, knee BUCKling love with her man, travis buck :)

by thejd44 on Aug 8, 2008 8:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL!!!

I’m gonna be honest, I had totally forgotten about that. I think I posted that like, last July haha

Stuck on Buck :)

by GreenNGoldGirl on Aug 8, 2008 10:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He's listed in Midland

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 9, 2008 12:09 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Good

Since he can’t hit…

"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox

by Gallagher's Watermelons on Aug 9, 2008 1:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

In honor of Ziggy

Original lyrics here.

Original sounds here.

Sub-mission

I got a submarine closer for you, baby
I feel the way you’re flailing
He’ll hit the corner with his 2-seam
Another offense failing

Sub-mission
You’re grounding out, out
You’re gonna ground out
Sub-mission
Ziggy’s gonna shut you out

You haven’t yet gone deep, baby
You can’t figure out his submarine stuff
You still can’t solve his mystery
His GB/FB keeps goin’ up

Sub-mission
You’re grounding out, out
You’re gonna ground out
Sub-mission
Ziggy’s gonna shut you out

Cause there’s another DP
Hit down to Crosby
6-4-3
Inning over

Sub-mission
You’re grounding out, out
You’re gonna ground out
Sub-mission
Ziggy’s gonna shut you out

Now there’s a comebacker
He’ll toss it to Barton
Overhand.
Ha ha ha!

You haven’t yet gone deep, baby
You can’t figure out his submarine stuff
You still can’t solve his mystery
His GB/FB keeps goin’ up

Sub-mission
You’re grounding out, out
You’re gonna ground out
Sub-mission
Ziggy’s gonna shut you out

Sub-mission
Sub-mission
Grounding out, out
GIDP
Grounding out, out
6-4-3

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 8, 2008 7:12 PM PDT   0 recs

Never Mind the Losses, It's...

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 8, 2008 7:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

...the Sacto Pistols?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 8, 2008 8:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Kewl.

But I think when he walks to the mound they should blast Bowie’s tribute to his pal Iggy. Ziggy Stardust.

Ziggy Zilch, though, SHOULD be his moniker.

Holy Toledo!!!

by Johnny U on Aug 8, 2008 7:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

A's...win?

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 8, 2008 7:18 PM PDT   0 recs

They what?

But seriously, woo-hoo!!!!

(Formerly Nobody Girl)
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Aug 8, 2008 11:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Now I can drink

to celebrate a win. As opposed to drown out a loss. Much better!

by sslinger on Aug 8, 2008 7:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Yeah, should count as two wins.

Beating Rogers oughta count DOUBLE. Granted, he’s a 43-year-old, but he’s still a tough mother. Makes a sweet victory even sweeter.

Holy Toledo!!!

by Johnny U on Aug 8, 2008 7:24 PM PDT   0 recs

Shut my mouth

I didn’t think we stood a chance against Rogers. Of course it would be Davis, the seldom used benchie, who comes up with the big hit and Ellis, who I’ve been ragging on for weeks, is the one who puts us ahead.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Aug 8, 2008 7:30 PM PDT   0 recs

AND LET US NOT FORGET ...

... although it was a completely different team, we won 20 in a row … let’s do it again in the memory of Bill King. Okay, maybe I’m a dreamer, and its one game at a time, but what a lovely thought. Of course the Halos need to lose 19 out of 20. And that ain’t ever gonna happen.

Holy Toledo!!!

by Johnny U on Aug 8, 2008 7:32 PM PDT   0 recs

So much for...

...”we’re gonna lose because Kenny Rogers is pitching for them and Dallas Braden is pitching for us”.

Read that sentiment in some thread before the game.

"If I've got baggage, he's got a whole set of Louis Vuitton." ~ Milton Bradley on Barry Bonds

by UncleLeo on Aug 8, 2008 7:33 PM PDT   0 recs

Ridiculous -

We’re going to lose because we suck, not because of the pitching matchup!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 7:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What would be funny...

...is if Braden has already begun the slow but sure development into a good pitcher, and next June we all realize… hey, he’s 9-4 with a 3.50 ERA.

"If I've got baggage, he's got a whole set of Louis Vuitton." ~ Milton Bradley on Barry Bonds

by UncleLeo on Aug 8, 2008 8:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I enjoyed watching the Olympics opening ceremony

but it was nice to see that the A’s ended that ugly losing streak

by OaklandSi on Aug 8, 2008 7:38 PM PDT   0 recs

Great job Ziggy

I forgot what a win was like! And the offense is on absolute fire right now. 8 runs in two games. I had a good feeling about this game, so I’m glad it played out well. Now, let’s win the series.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 8, 2008 7:42 PM PDT   0 recs

Awesome win!

Braden has impressed me so far, and congrats to Ziggy again for dominating!

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Aug 8, 2008 8:03 PM PDT   0 recs

Very nice.

So this is what it feels like to not be pissed off.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Aug 8, 2008 8:05 PM PDT   0 recs

Blanton pitched a gem tonight -

7 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, but the Phils lost 1-0 in 12.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 8, 2008 8:06 PM PDT   0 recs

Life in the NL

It’s a beautiful thing!

That’s what blows my mind about 30 teams scoffing at Huston Street and Justin Duchscherer. Duke would kick ass in the NL. I don’t care that his fastball isn’t impressive. You don’t need an impressive fastball to dominate the NL. Someone should’ve been willing to fork over some good prospects.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 8, 2008 11:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Small Sample Size

And DiPS. They’re beautiful things.

Cupcakes’ FIP and xFIP with the As: 4.17, 4.58. Cupcakes FIP and xFIP with the Phillies: 6.23, 5.98.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Aug 8, 2008 11:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I guess

I’d imagine that’s skewed slightly by his first start there, which was very bad.

It’s hard to argue that his two best starts of the season have come in his last two starts.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 9, 2008 9:51 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wasn't it 2-0?

I pick the nits off your goats

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Aug 9, 2008 3:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

just caught the tail end of the drummer's

part of the opening ceremony. fitting celebration tone for tonight’s A’s win.

alaska A

by ak_A on Aug 8, 2008 8:10 PM PDT   0 recs

It's 10:50

I’ve been watching since 6:30. VERY AWESOME stuff. I cried. I laughed. My mind was blown.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Aug 8, 2008 8:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmm...Bit of a tough return for Ian Kennedy:

2 IP, 9 hits, 5 ER (so far), 1 BB, 1 K.

You wonder if maybe, just shmaybe, he isn’t major league material?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

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