A’s Get 7-2 Win Over the Rockies the Hard Way

I don’t ever recall seeing a game where one team receives 3 runs as a result of bases loaded HBP’s.  Well, it happened today as the Athletics and the Colorado Rockies took to the field once again at Salt River Fields this afternoon.  Michael Choice, Daric Barton, and Scott Sizemore were the ones lucky enough to take one for the team.  Adam Rosales forced in a run in the 3rd in a much less painful way by drawing a bases loaded walk.  Needless to say the Colorado Rockies pitching staff might need a little more work on their command if they wish to stay out of the cellar in the NL West in 2013.  Scott Sizemore had to exit the game shortly thereafter with a bruise on the soft part of his hand.  Time will tell if there’s a fracture or something like that.

joined the walk off party the hard way in 2012. (Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)

A.J. Griffin worked through 3 innings today, and allowed a single run on another home run in consecutive days from third baseman Nolan Arenado.  Griffin allowed 3 hits in total, walked none, and struck out 1.  Pat Neshek, Pedro Figueroa, and Hideki Okajima each pitched scoreless innings in relief of Griffin as they battle for positions in the A’s bullpen.  Justin Thomas allowed a run in his 2 innings of work on 3 hits.  Bruce Billings worked a scoreless ninth to seal the victory.  A’s pitchers did not issue a single walk today, a far cry from the Rockies staff.

Scott Sizemore and Grant Green each notched two hits a piece in today’s 12 hit attack.  Adam Rosales, Chris Young (RBI single), David Freitas (Solo HR), Michael Choice, Hiroyuki Nakajima, Michael Taylor, Eric Sogard, and Addison Russell each had a hit today.  The bulk of the offensive output today of course was handed to the A’s by the wild Rockies pitching staff, led by Tyler Chatwood and Jorge De La Rosa.

Dan Straily will take the mound tomorrow afternoon as the A’s meet their AL West rival Los Angeles Angels and the extremely annoying Jason Vargas back at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.  The Angels should look much more like the ones we’ll see during the regular season compared to the Triple A squad they brought out before.