Well, as the first series of the year comes to a close; spanning nearly nine days, two countries, four games, and showcasing some great pitching and a handful of A's homeruns, we find ourselves at the get-away game, where the too-nice A's are now playing a day game, so the Red Sox can get on the road.

Normally, I would comment on the A's selling the tickets, then changing the game time, but since I actually think a day game might be better for James Richard than a cold night one, I'm not going to say anything at all.

I feel better about last night's loss than I did about the one last week; yesterday was not a game we should have won; as well as Blanton pitched (and he was SUPERB), he was out-pitched. It happens. It actually happens a lot when a pitcher takes over the #1 spot and is matched up against other aces. If Blanton could pitch exactly like he did last night, he will win a lot of games.

Today's game brings back to the mound one James Richard Harden, who has made one start, and has everybody talking. I'm still holding my breath as much as I ever did, but there is something like hope that is threatening to creep in.

The A's need a win today to split the series, and they will need to score some runs. They will face Jon Lester again, whom they touched up to the tune of four runs last week. Here's to hoping they do it again.

If we can get the Red Sox out of town with a split, I will consider Opening Series 2008 a rousing success.

Lineups:

Boston Red Sox:

Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Ramirez, LF
Lowell, 3B
Drew, RF
Varitek, C
Crisp, CF
Cora, SS

Your 2008 Oakland Athletics:

Ellis, 2B
Barton, 1B
Sweeney, M, DH
Cust, LF
Brown, E, RF
Crosby, SS
Suzuki, C
Hannahan, 3B
Denorfia, CF

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!