Game Thread 56: Sticks vs. no Sticks (A's v. Rangers)

The question is, which team will lay claim to the name? The A's, having been shutout about 100 times in their first 56 games, managed to string together 12 runs last night, 8 of which came in the 2nd inning. The Rangers were shutdown by Jarrod Parker, who seems to be every bit as good as Trevor Cahill and then some, on 1 hit over 8 innings. I wouldn't expect the same score today, though. With all due respect to Travis Blackley, he's no Jarrod Parker, and the Rangers won't be held to 3 hits over 9 with their offense very often.

Today, Blackley opposes Derek Holland, who is in for reprimand if he falters vs the A's. This quote is classic Wash:

"He has to bounce back," said Washington with a smile. "If he goes out there and has another one and two-thirds of an inning, I think I might have to pull my belt off and throw him across my lap and spank him. My belt is loose around my waist."

Lineups, courtesy of Jeff Fletcher/ESPN via Richard Durrett (WTF, baseballpress.com?)

RANGERS Ian Kinsler, 2b Elvis Andrus, SS Josh Hamilton, LF Adrian Beltre, 3B Michael Young, DH Nelson Cruz, RF Mike Napoli, 1B Yorvit Torrealba, C Craig Gentry, CF ATHLETICS Jemile Weeks, 2B Collin Cowgill, LF Josh Reddick, RF Yoenis Cespedes, CF Brandon Inge, 3B Jonny Gomes, DH Kila Ka'aihue, 1B Kurt Suzuki, C Adam Rosales, SS