Harden Strikes Out 11 In Sparkling Start; Willingham Homers for the Runs

by baseballgirl on Aug 19, 2011 10:29 PM PDT

So I wonder if Boston ever looks at Rich Harden's starts and says, "Hm...how hurt could he really be"? (Psst: Don't answer that.) Harden was phenomenal; just awesome. Reaching 92-93 consistantly on the gun, he crafted an amazing start against the Blue Jays, becoming the winning pitcher on a single hit by the A's, a homerun by Willingham. (Or Willingsham, if you saw the game.)

Hits were few and far between tonight; the Blue Jays managed three; the A's just four. Harden didn't allow his first hit until the fifth inning, but he did get into a jam to lead off the game, which makes his start even that much more remarkable. Harden made an error to allow the first batter to reach base, then he walked the bases loaded, then proceeded to strike out the side on nine pitches. He breezed through the next few innings; his only other moment of trouble in the sixth as Jemile Weeks saved a run with a very nice play. He would throw seven before turning the ball over to Balfour and Bailey (GoodBailey, just so we're clear; he got the save).

The A's got a walk from Weeks in their half of the first inning, and then Willingham homered to make it 2-0, a score that would hold up for the entire game. The A's struck out 4 times tonight; the Blue Jays 13. On Brandon Allen watch; no hits tonight, but half the team can say the same.

The A's even things with the Blue Jays and look to win the series this weekend.

Current Series

4 game series vs Blue Jays @ Overstock.com Coliseum

Thu 08/18	WP: Ricky Romero (12 - 9) LP: Trevor Cahill (9 - 12)	0 - 7 loss
Fri 08/19	WP: Rich Harden (4 - 2) SV: Andrew Bailey LP: Brett Cecil (4 - 6)	2 - 0 win
Toronto Blue Jays Bluebird Banter @ Oakland Athletics Athletics Nation Saturday, Aug 20, 2011, 6:05 PM PDT Overstock.com Coliseum Henderson Alvarez vs Gio Gonzalez Clear. Winds blowing out to center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70. AN Day 2011: More details, and still time to sign up! posted by gigglingone 23 days ago 62 comments \| 7 recs Complete Coverage >
Sun 08/21		1:05 PM PDT

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Comments

I just got back from the game

Harden was so much fun to watch!

by OaklandSi on Aug 19, 2011 10:37 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe not enough time has passed for me to say this

but this was a ‘turn back the clock’ performance for Rich. I am so glad I got to watch.

Q: Who is playing you in the movie about the ESPN book? I think it should be Adam Sandler — you both peaked 12 years ago.
— Timmy, Winchester, MA

- Simmons Mailbag, 8/5/11

by Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. on Aug 19, 2011 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

this time he did it wiyh only fastballs and changeups

and the fastball mostly sat at 92-93 mph. Very different from his early years, but perhaps even more enjoyable now.

by OaklandSi on Aug 19, 2011 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I was thinking the exact same thing, Doc. Harden "turned back the clock".

by player20 on Aug 20, 2011 1:42 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Nice to see three pitchers from foreign lands team up for the win

Harden from Canada, Balfour from Australia and Bailey from New Jersey.

Last of the Ninth - Photography

by Flashfire on Aug 19, 2011 11:12 PM PDT reply actions

i’m pretty sure canadia and downundia are english-speaking countries… but it must be a tough language barrier for bailey.

by AV on Aug 20, 2011 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions

I just watched Rich's postgame interview

on the comcast webpage

it’s fairly long, and enjoyable

by OaklandSi on Aug 19, 2011 11:18 PM PDT reply actions

Always nice to see Harden pitch a good game. I must admit I have a soft spot for him ever since his first tour of duty with our boys in green and gold (sometimes white and gray). I kinda wanna see the A’s trade Harden so we can get something for him. Maybe even talk about bringing him back as a FA signing over the winter.

Hey it could happen…

by MatZt on Aug 19, 2011 11:31 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

that was a decent game.

most impressive feat? Striking out the side with the bases loaded.

By Grabthar's hammer and the hands of Zeus, I shall avenge thee.

by anduriliam on Aug 19, 2011 11:36 PM PDT reply actions

and the second was ending his night with a strikeout

it felt great giving him a standing O for both.

by OaklandSi on Aug 19, 2011 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL @ the Giants

by nateinberkeley on Aug 20, 2011 12:54 AM PDT reply actions

a Friday night comparison

Both shutouts, both good wins

Albuquerque at Sacramento
Weather: 76 degrees, clear.
Wind: 13 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:44.
Att: 14,014.

Toronto at Oakland
Weather 59 degrees, overcast
Time: 2.22
Wind 12 mph
Attendance 13,174

by robertmelvin on Aug 20, 2011 2:44 AM PDT reply actions

nice

and sad

2011 Oakland Athletics: We have Cy Young pitchers and make yours look like it, too

by elcroata on Aug 20, 2011 2:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Sacramento's getting better as a baseball town.

We need a new baseball bar downtown, though. Joe Marty’s never reopened after the kitchen fire.

I’d love to see some old ex-player open one up. “Matt Carson’s Bar & Grill” would be awesome, except I think he’s Mormon, so that probably would’nt work. That and he’s still playing.

"The Mrs. and I are moving to San Jose"- dwishinsky

"Oh, so Bud Selig gave you territorial rights? How long did you have to wait for that?"- LoneStranger

by Gaijin_Suketto on Aug 20, 2011 12:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions