Athletics Nation - GameThread #99: A's at AstrosAn SB Nation blog for Oakland Athletics fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47025/an-fave.png2013-07-22T23:08:26-07:00http://www.athleticsnation.com/rss/stream/43114872013-07-22T23:08:26-07:002013-07-22T23:08:26-07:00Game #99: Reddick Blast Helps A's Overcome Errors
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<p>The A's are going to have to lose to the Astros at some point, but Josh Reddick and Chris Young didn't seem ready to face that reality tonight. </p> <p>This can't go on forever. No team plays another perfectly throughout the course of an entire season. But somehow, the A's keep on snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against the lowly Houston Astros. Tonight, it was an eighth-inning, two-run blast to straightaway right field from Josh Reddick that did the trick.</p>
<p>For the second time this season, Chris Young added some of his own home-cooked magic at Minute Maid Park, bringing the A's back to within one run of the Astros in the top of the 7th with a solo shot into the Crawford Boxes in the left field corner. The Houston native seems to absolutely love playing in front of what seemed like dozens of family and friends, and he apparently likes to put on a show for them, too.</p>
<p>Early on, Oakland appeared to have absolutely no intention of winning this game. In the bottom of the 2nd, Josh Donaldson flubbed a grounder that forced him to range to his right, but only slightly, and he didn't decide whether to forehand or backhand the ball in time. It scooted into left field, and though Donaldson wasn't charged with an error in what seemed like a questionable scoring decision, it's a play that he probably makes 99% of the time.</p>
<p>Right after Donaldson's miscue, Jed Lowrie made a throwing error. Then, in the 3rd inning, Grant Green called for a routine popup 20 feet into center field, but appeared to get scared off by the sound of Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick's fast-approaching footsteps, and he curled away at the last second, leaving the ball to drop harmlessly between the three A's defenders.</p>
<p>But Josh Reddick wanted no part of the trend of increasingly pathetic defensive efforts in the early going. With one out in the 2nd inning, he made a play that reminded everybody watching why he won a Gold Glove in 2012, coming on hard to make a diving catch on a Matt Dominguez line drive that seemed determined to fall into shallow right field. Reddick extended his body fully, caught the ball, rolled completely over, and managed to hold on. It didn't make up for Green, Lowrie, and Donaldson's mistakes, but it might have come close. The damage was done, though — Oakland essentially gifted the Astros two runs to add to their one-run lead, making the deficit 3-0 after only two innings.</p>
<p>Tommy Milone's quietly put together a nice start, working six innings and giving up only two earned runs, but three total. One of those earned runs, though, should have been unearned, given that it resulted directly from Donaldson's "non"-error. Milone only walked one batter, which was good to see given his intermittent struggles with his control this season, while allowing five hits. At the end of the day, he had the A's in the game in the late innings, despite the worst defensive display Oakland has put on in a long, long time.</p>
<p>The familiar combination of Ryan Cook, Sean Doolittle, and Grant Balfour (in that order) came on in the last three innings to finish off the Astros. Well, Cook wasn't really in the game to finish the Astros off — more to keep the A's close. He did exactly that, and since Reddick's blast came immediately after his appearance, he gets credited with the win, which puts his record at 3-2 on the season. Doolittle struck out two but walked a batter in the 8th, and Balfour was perfect in the ninth, recording two strikeouts to give him his 26th save of the season in 26 opportunities.</p>
<p>Against all odds, the A's got the job done, and they're now a perfect 10-0 against Houston. They look to improve that mark to 11-0 tomorrow evening at 5:10pm, when we'll see Jarrod Parker face off against the Astros rookie RHP Jarred Cosart. Which Jarred/Jarrod will reign supreme? I'll have the game thread - see you then.</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2013/7/22/4548192/game-99-late-hrs-from-young-reddick-keep-as-perfect-against-strosLF942013-07-22T20:19:41-07:002013-07-22T20:19:41-07:00GameThread #99: A's at Astros (4)
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>TO THE 9TH!</p> <p>With a 2 Run HR by Josh Reddick, and Chris Young's inexplicable ability to only hit in Houston, the A's are leading 4-3 in the top of the 9th!</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2013/7/22/4547850/gamethread-99-as-at-astros-4Zonis2013-07-22T18:53:36-07:002013-07-22T18:53:36-07:00GameThread #99: A's at Astros (3)
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<p>3-0 Astros...terrible defense by the A's, Astros capitalizing. Astros try to return the favor, A's politely decline</p>
<p>Heading to the bottom of the 5th. New thread for defense inspiration.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1719575/Grant_Green_Oakland_Athletics_Photo_Day_gqhiN1r8zNsl.jpg"><img alt="Grant_green_oakland_athletics_photo_day_gqhin1r8znsl_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1719575/Grant_Green_Oakland_Athletics_Photo_Day_gqhiN1r8zNsl_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>This game face hasn't translated into hitz, runz, or defensez. </p>
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https://www.athleticsnation.com/2013/7/22/4547584/gamethread-99-as-at-astros-3Billy Frijoles2013-07-22T17:54:59-07:002013-07-22T17:54:59-07:00GameThread #99: A's at Astros (2)
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<p>A's down 1-0 as we head to the top of the third, thanks to a comedy of errors. But Lowrie made up for his, which was nice. Also great D by Reddick...</p>
<p>Still, the ugly D was ugly. Let's make up for it with some offense.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1719503/Josh_Donaldson_Oakland_Athletics_v_Los_Angeles_CIllVHJX3qMl.jpg"><img alt="Josh_donaldson_oakland_athletics_v_los_angeles_cillvhjx3qml_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1719503/Josh_Donaldson_Oakland_Athletics_v_Los_Angeles_CIllVHJX3qMl_medium.jpg"></a></p>
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https://www.athleticsnation.com/2013/7/22/4547448/gamethread-99-as-at-astros-2Billy Frijoles2013-07-22T16:50:04-07:002013-07-22T16:50:04-07:00GameThread #99: A's at Astros
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<figcaption>Chris Young's got his game face on. | Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>The A's travel to the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park for a 3-game set against the Astros.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Welcome everyone to another edition of A's baseball!</span></p>
<p>After avoiding the utter embarrassment of a three game sweep at Anaheim, the A's head out to Houston looking to build on their perfect 9-0 record against the AL West newcomers this season. Without Yoenis "Glass" Cespedes in the lineup, an easy opponent is just what the doctor ordered. Also, guaranteeing more playing time for Chris Young against Houston may not be a bad thing.</p>
<p>Tommy Milone may be pitching to maintain a spot in the rotation as <span>Sonny Gray</span> is right at his heels and Brett Anderson is throwing a bullpen session. Not to say that Milone could be replaced imminently, but I think that between Gray and Anderson, there could be viable options come September to replace one of Milone, Griffin, or Straily. The key for him will be able to trust and locate his fastball; in his last start against the Buccos he just wouldn't or couldn't throw his fastball for strikes. If he's afraid to come over the plate with the "heater" the change isn't really going to fool anyone (except maybe Chris Carter).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> starter Dallas Keuchel had a masterful relief appearance against the A's early on, however the A's tagged him for 6 runs on 10 hits in his last start against them. Here's hoping for more of the same.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> are mystifyingly 3-7 in their last 10 games...if they continue their current schneid, this will be a chance to put some distance between them in the division standings. Time to take advantage.</p>
<p>Grant Green - now would be the time to get your first major league hit. It ain't gonna get any easier.</p>
<p>Here are the lineups....thread away! Let's Go Oakland!</p>
<table class="tlineup" style=""><tbody> <tr class="lheader" style="font-size: 0.9em; background-color: #d0d0d0; border: 1px solid #a0a0a0;"><td style="padding: 5px 0px;" colspan="4"> <span style="font-size: 1.1em;">5:10pm </span> <strong><a href="http://baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=OAK" title="Click to see previous lineups" style="color: #042f7e;">Athletics</a></strong> (<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=milonto01&year=Career&t=p" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: #042f7e;">T. Milone - L</a>) @ <strong><a href="http://baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=HOU" title="Click to see previous lineups" style="color: #042f7e;">Astros</a></strong> (<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=keuchda01&year=Career&t=p" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: #042f7e;">D. Keuchel - L</a>)<div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em; text-align: right; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://forecast.io/#/f/29.7569,-95.3556/1374538200" target="forecast" style="color: inherit;">Gametime Forecast: 88°F • Partly Cloudy • 20%PoP</a></div> </td></tr> <tr style="border: 1px solid #a0a0a0;"> <td style="padding: 5px 0px;"> <a href="http://baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=OAK" title="Click to see previous lineups" style="color: #042f7e;"></a><div class="team t133" style=""></div> </td> <td style="padding: 5px 0px;"> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">1. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=crispco01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Coco Crisp (S) CF</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">2. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=youngch04&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Chris Young (R) LF</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">3. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=lowrije01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Jed Lowrie (S) SS</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">4. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=donaljo02&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Josh Donaldson (R) 3B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">5. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=freimna01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Nate Freiman (R) 1B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">6. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=norride01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Derek Norris (R) C</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">7. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=reddijo01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Josh Reddick (L) RF</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">8. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=greengr01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Grant Green (R) 2B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">9. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=smithse01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Seth Smith (L) DH</a> </div> </td> <td style="padding: 5px 0px;"> <a href="http://baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=HOU" title="Click to see previous lineups" style="color: #042f7e;"></a><div class="team t117" style=""></div> </td> <td style="padding: 5px 0px;"> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">1. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Jonathan Villar (S) SS</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">2. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=altuvjo01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Jose Altuve (R) 2B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">3. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=castrja01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Jason Castro (L) C</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">4. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=cartech02&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Chris Carter (R) 1B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">5. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=maxweju01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Justin Maxwell (R) RF</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">6. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=martijd02&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">J.D. Martinez (R) DH</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">7. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=barnebr02&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Brandon Barnes (R) CF</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">8. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=dominma01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Matt Dominguez (R) 3B</a> </div> <div style="color: #606060; font-size: 0.85em;">9. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=elmorja01&year=Career&t=b" title="Click to view split stats on baseball-reference" target="bref" style="color: inherit;">Jake Elmore (R) LF</a> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2013/7/22/4546758/gamethread-99-as-at-astrosBilly Frijoles