Well, after the disastrous first inning at Fenway Park, aptly described as "It's Like A Bad Ride At A Lousy Amusement Park", which I think for many of us, just about sums up this year’s offense as well, I wasn’t expecting much. Actually, that’s not true. I had a lot of expectations. I expected to get blown out. I also expected to get shut out. I expected an injury.
However, I didn’t expect we’d have so many chances to score. I didn’t expect Blanton to settle down, and pitch so darn well after he got less support than he needed in every category that matters. I didn’t expect to want to throw the Boston ball boy into Yankee Stadium. I didn’t expect Geren to get himself kicked out on behalf of a player (but pleasantly surprised!).
But I think most of all, with the A’s down 4-2 in the ninth inning, the last thing I expected off Papelbon--who hadn’t blown a save yet--was a solid single by Crosby and an 0-2 homerun by Travis Buck for his third hit of the day. (For the record, I also didn’t expect a base hit by Putnam, but that was of less consequence.)
And to prove just how jaded I am, when we went to extra innings, I really didn’t expect a leadoff, first-pitch double by Piazza, and a follow-up double by Dan Johnson, who already had a homerun off Schilling earlier in the night.
And in interest of full-disclosure, yes, I was hiding under the couch when Street faced Ortiz and Ramirez. And yes, I currently have dinner guests over.
BUT WHO CARES!?!??!?
No matter what else is going on, no matter our concerns, take a moment and celebrate!
OUR ROOKIE BEAT BOSTON’S CLOSER AND THE A’S COME AWAY WITH A WIN IN FENWAY PARK!
That is all.
Feel free to use the open thread below for the Warriors game--they need the energy!!!
