Losing on Opening Night is nothing new for the A's. They've done it five seasons in a row. Getting shut out is also no big surprise. That's happened in three of those five losses.
There were a few firsts for the A's and some of their players last night (including Braden's first Opening Day start, Holliday getting a hit in his first AB with the A's and Bailey's debut, a quick 1-2-3 inning). There are more to follow tonight:
* Trevor Cahill's first Major League start, facing Dustin Moseley. Cahill has taken possession of Bob Geren's #53. Of course, Brett Anderson will get his first one on Thursday. Believe me, I'm glad the pitching probables are missing names like Santana and Lackey.
* The first runs for the A's this season. The good news is since coming to Oakland, the A's have never been shut out twice in a row to start the season, not that getting shut out by the Angels is fun at any time. Hopefully we don't see a first THERE with two straight games full of goose eggs.
This is also my first regular season gameday thread as I settle into the Tuesday spot, which pales in comparison to the rest but it's kind of nice to have something else to focus on with the baseball season underway. I've still been dealing with getting a new home, have had an offer accepted, and it looks like if all goes well I'll be moving to Elk Grove around the end of the month. It'll mean getting to fewer A's games but probably more River Cats and Ports games instead, plus an occasional drive to Reno to see the Aces (Arizona's Triple-A team, having moved from Tucson) play in their new ballpark downtown.
Let's get that first win tonight, A's! Stringing a few hits together along with the timely walk would help, but a homer or two wouldn't hurt either. Of course, I'm sure we're all hoping for a stellar debut by Mr. Cahill.
Details: 7:05 PM first pitch / TV: CSNCA+ / Radio: 860/1640 AM