The Oakland Athletics extended their ALWest lead to 6 1/2 games, their August record to 12-2, and their streak over Seattle to 15 games with a 4-0 win last night in Oakland. Dan Haren struck out 8 in six innings for the win. Seattle managed ten hits, but nine were singles and the Athletics staff issued no free passes. Oakland pitching has held Seattle to a .298 OBA this season.
The Giants made it three in a row over the Padres and go for the sweep this afternoon. Once again, they played a close game, going 13 innings for the 7-5 victory. That’s seven games in a row for San Francisco decided by 1 or 2 runs. Is this the start of the upswing for San Francisco? The Dodgers and Diamondbacks had their long losing and winning periods. Are the Giants next?
Barry Bonds hit home run number 16 and number 724 for his career, but Eliezer Alfonzo drove home the go-ahead run in the 13th for the win.
The Diamondbacks took sole possession of second place in the NL West with a 9-5 victory over Colorado. That’s the Coors we know and love! Neither starter pitched well, but the Arizona bullpen posted 2 1/3 no hit innings, striking out four to preserve the win. The division has spread out a bit with 6 1/2 games separating top from bottom. Since no team can go on a hot streak without also going on a cold streak, I expect it will tighten further before we have a clear winner.