Page 4 of 9

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:12 am
by motnahp
Dwayne Murphy singled in Miguel Dilone with the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th, as the A's nipped the Indians 2-1. Jim Todd (2-2) picked up the relief win and John Henry Johnson survived a 9th-inning scare to earn his 2nd save. With runners on the corners and 2 outs, Bobby Bonds' drive was caught at the wall in left field to end the game.

Rookie OF Derek Bryant went 1-4 with a single. He is batting .301. Fellow rookie OF Rickey Henderson, displaced in the lineup by Bryant, has been grumbling on the bench. Rickey has dropped to .249 and is now a backup OF and pinch runner.

There were only 2 or 3 "Derek's Dolls" in the LF bleachers today. I guess Charlie sent some of them packing. Bryant, 28 years old, is loving the extra attention. He was even interviewed by our radio guys today before the game. Henderson has been sulking and may be on a plane to Tacoma soon. Down on the farm, outfielders Joe Wallis and Glenn Burke are both hitting almost .300 and have 6 and 5 home runs, respectively. Henderson has not homered in his 169 ABs this season.

The A's will enjoy an off-day on Thursday, then welcome Toronto for a 3-game weekend series to wrap up the homestand.

WED JUNE 6

CLEV_____1___9___0
OAK______2__11___2

Season record: 17-41, 7th place in AL West, 8 GB 6th place Seattle

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:04 am
by motnahp
Tony Armas' grounder scored Rob Picciolo with the winning run as the A's beat the Blue Jays 2-1 in 12 innings. Dave Hamilton (1-2) pitched 3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Toronto reliever Balor Moore (2-3) took the loss.

The Blue Jays tried to give the game to the A's several times, making 5 errors. The A's refused to accept, however, grounding into 3 double plays.

ARCO fireworks display after tomorrow night's game.

FRI JUNE 8

TOR_____1___6___5
OAK_____2___9___0


RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:19 am
by motnahp
Toronto took the middle game of the series, 7-2, behind a complete game effort from Phil Huffman (3-9). John Mayberry went 3-4 with 3 RBI. For Oakland, Matt Keough (1-8) had a rough start, lasting 5 1/3 innings, allowing 5 runs and walking 5. The Blue Jays prevented the A's from winning 3 straight for the first time this season.

SAT JUNE 9

TOR_____7___12___2
OAK_____2____8___0


RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:12 am
by motnahp
The A's beat the Blue Jays 2-1 in front of a Dollar Day crowd of 28,000. Steve McCatty (4-7) notched a complete game, allowing 8 hits, walking 3 and fanning 5. Al Woods tripled in the 9th with 2 outs to give the crowd and McCatty a scare, but he was up to the task and the bullpen was given the day off.

Any small successes seem large at this point. The A's have won each of the last 2 series and closed out this homestand with a 5-4 record. The team hits the road now for 2 games in Detroit, followed by 2 games in Cleveland. They will end the trip with a 3-game weekend series in Toronto.

SUN JUNE 10

TOR_____1___8___1
OAK_____2___6___1

Season record: 19-42, 7th place in AL West, 6 1/2 GB 6th place Seattle. Atlanta is 19-41 over in the NL, so we still have the worst mark in MLB.

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:45 am
by motnahp
Rick Langford was masterful, tossing a 5-hit shutout as the A's blanked the Tigers in Detroit, 6-0. Langford (4-6), used only 83 pitches, allowed 5 singles, walked no one, and struck out 3. Only one runner reached 2nd base, and that was on a Derek Bryant error in left field. Tony Armas was 3-5 with two HR and 3 RBI. Dave Revering was 4-5. For Detroit, Milt Wilcox (7-5) took the loss.

MON JUNE 11

OAK_____6___13___1
DET_____0____5___0

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:05 am
by motnahp
The Oakland A's are still looking for their first 3-game winning streak of the season, following a tough, 5-4 loss to Detroit. Ron Leflore's bases loaded single with no outs in the bottom of the 9th provided the game-winner for the Tigers. Oakland reliever Dave Hamilton (1-3) pitched a scoreless 8th, but could not retire a batter in the 9th.

Tony Armas hit his 16th homer for the A's. Jeff Newman hit his 5th, a 2-run shot in the top of the 8th that tied the score at 4-4. Champ Summers hit home run number 9 for Detroit. Dave Tobik (3-3) picked up the win in relief. John Henry Johnson made the start for the A's, his first start since May 8th. He allowed 8 hits and 4 runs in his 5 1/3 innings of work.

TUE JUNE 12

OAK_____4___10___0
DET_____5___11___1

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:47 pm
by motnahp
Bobby Bonds hit a two-out homer in the bottom of the 10th to give the Indians a 3-2 win over the A's. Craig Minetto (0-2) was the victim this time.

WED JUNE 13

OAK_____2___8___0
CLE_____3__12___0

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:08 pm
by motnahp
The A's dropped their 3rd straight 1-run decision, 5-4 to the Indians. Once again, Matt Keough was the tough-luck recipient of bad bullpen support. Keough left after 6 innings with the A's clinging to a 4-3 lead. Dave Heaverlo (0-2) surrendered a tying homer to Gary Alexander with two outs in the 7th, then allowed another run later in the inning. Wayne Garland (3-2) went 8 1/3 innings to pick up the win. Sid Monge cleaned up for the save, stranding the tying run at 2nd base.

THUR JUNE 14

OAK_____4___11___1
CLE_____5___13___0

Season record: 20-45, 7th place in AL West, 6 1/2 GB Seattle

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:42 am
by motnahp
Mitchell Paged homered (5) and doubled. Dave Hamilton (2-3) allowed an inherited runner to score, then picked up the win as the A's scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 8th to beat Toronto 4-3. Tom Underwood (6-9) was the losing pitcher for the Blue Jays.

FRI JUNE 15

OAK_____4___11___0
TOR_____3___10___1

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:27 am
by motnahp
Toronto broke open a close game with 4 runs in the 5th and 3 more in the 7th, cruising past the A's 10-1. Dave Lemanczyk (4-6) went the distance for the Jays. Rick Langford (4-7) started well, but was knocked out in the 5th. He gave up 9 hits and 6 runs. John Mayberry hit his 9th home run and Rico Carty was 3-5 for Toronto.

Last night, the A's made some roster moves, trading lefty John Henry Johnson to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Mike Heath and utilityman Dave Chalk. The A's optioned OF Rickey Henderson and IF Mickey Klutts to AAA Tacoma, and recalled P Alan Wirth.

SS Mario Guerrero suffered an injured shoulder in the game. If he must go on the disabled list, AAA outfielders Glenn Burke and Joe Wallis are in Tacoma waiting for the call.

SAT JUNE 16

OAK_____1___8___1
TOR____10__16___0

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:47 am
by motnahp
Craig Minetto (1-2) got the start and mowed down the Blue Jays for 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Jim Todd tackled the final 1 2/3 innings for his 3rd save, as the A's blanked Toronto 2-0. Wayne Gross homered for the A's. Toronto starter Dave Stieb (7-5) took the loss.

Before the game, SS Mario Guerrero was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The A's recalled OF Glenn Burke from AAA Tacoma. Guerrero is expected to be out at least a month with a separated shoulder following a collision at first base with Toronto's John Mayberry. Burke will see spot duty in the outfield and gives the A's some speed on the bench.

SUN JUNE 17

OAK_____2___7___0
TOR_____0___6___0

Season record: 22-46, 7th place in AL West, 7 GB Seatle

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:28 am
by motnahp
The A's opened up a 4 game series with the Royals by dropping a 7-2 decision. Pete LaCock, George Brett and AL Cowens all went 3-5 to support lefty Larry Gura (9-5). Derek Bryant (3) homered for the A's. Mike Norris (4-8) went 7 innings and allowed 4 runs in defeat.

MON JUNE 18

KC______7___16___2
OAK_____2____6___1

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:46 pm
by motnahp
Matt Keough shut out the Royals into the 7th inning and got good relief work from Dave Hamilton as the A's topped the Royals 5-2. Keough (2-8) went 6 2/3 innings, allowing 7 hits, walking 1 and striking out 8. Hamilton came on and pitched hitless relief the final 2 1/3 innings to notch his 3rd save. Mike Heath, recently acquired from Texas, made his first start. He delivered a 3-run homer to cap a 4-run 4th inning. Paul Splittorff (8-6) was tagged with the loss.

TUE JUNE 19

KC______2___7___0
OAK_____5___9___1

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:04 pm
by motnahp
Hal Mcrae's 5th inning grand slam capped a 7-run inning and sent the Royals on their way to pounding the A's 12-2. Mcrae and Frank White were both 3-5. Every KC starter had at least one safety in their 19-hit barrage. Steve McCatty (4-8) was today's victim, allowing all 7 runs in the 5th. Alan Wirth and Bob Lacey combined to allow the other 5 runs. Rich Gale (6-7) went 8 innings and picked up the win.

WED JUNE 20

KC______12___19___3
OAK______2____8___1

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:20 pm
by motnahp
Behind Rick Langford's efforts, the A's beat the Royals 5-3 to earn a split of the 4-game series. Langford (5-7) went all the way, allowing 9 hits, walking only 1, and striking out 6. Derek Bryant was 2-3, including his 4th homer. Mitchell Page went 3-4 with an RBI. Craig Chamberlain (1-8) took the loss. George Brett homered for KC, his 9th.

The A's now host Texas for a 4-game series, which will feature a Sunday doubleheader.

THUR JUNE 21

KC______3___9___0
OAK_____5__15___0

Searon record: 24-48, 7th place in AL West, 6 1/2 GB 6th place Seattle

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:37 pm
by motnahp
Texas scored twice in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie and defeat the A's 3-1. Steve Comer (8-3) went all 9 innings for the Rangers. Oakland lefty Craig Minetto was impressive on the mound again, going 6 innings and allowing only 1 run. He did, however, walk 5. Dave Hamilton (2-4) allowed 2 runs in the 7th to absorb the loss. Mitchell Page stayed hot, going 3-4, including his 6th homer.

FRI JUNE 22

TEX_____3___11___0
OAK_____1___7___0

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:01 pm
by motnahp
Mike Norris matched up against former teammate John Henry Johnson, but it was the A's bullpen failing once again, as the Rangers came out on top 5-3 in 11 innings. Norris went 10 innings and Johnson 9 2/3.

Dave Heaverlo (0-3) retired the first two batters in the 11th, then allowed a pinch hit single to Mike Jorgensen. Oscar Gamble walked, then Buddy Bell drove home Jorgensen with a double. Manager motnahp crushed his pack of Tums in his hand, then watched Al Oliver drive in Gamble with a single. Resisting the urge to crush Heaverlo, motnahp went to the mound and brought in Jim Todd to retire the side. Danny Darwin (6-2) was credited with the relief win. Oakland went meekly in their half of the 11th, overpowered by Jim Kern, who notched his 14th save. Rookie OF Derek Bryant collected 3 of the 5 Oakland hits and also drove in a run.

After dropping the first 2 games of the series, the A's now entertain Texas in a Sunday doubleheader.

SAT JUNE 23

TEX_____5___8___0
OAK____3___5___2

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:54 am
by motnahp
In the first game of a doubleheader, the Texas Rangers sent 9 men to the plate in the 1st inning, collected 6 hits and a walk, and scored 4 times. That was more than enough for Doyle Alexander (6-7), who tossed a 4-hit shutout, as the Rangers blanked the A's 4-0. Oakland starter Steve McCatty (4-9) ended up pitching 8 innings and suffered the loss.

SUN JUNE 24 (1)

TEX_____4___8___0
OAK_____0___4___0

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:16 am
by motnahp
The Texas Rangers completed the doubleheader and 4-game sweeps with a 10-inning, 7-4 win over the A's. Oscar Gamble had a 3-run homer for the Rangers, who led 4-1 going into the bottom of the 8th. The A's rallied, tying the score on a bases-clearing pinch hit double by Tony Armas. Brian Kingman (3-3) allowed 3 runs in the 10th and took the loss. Danny Darwin (7-2) picked up the win in relief, while Jim Kern got the A's 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th for his 15th save.

The A's take Monday off and try to regroup, before ending the month with three games in KC and two in Texas.

SUN JUNE 24 (2)

TEX_____7___10___1
OAK_____4____9___1

Season record: 24-52, 7th place in AL West, 8 GB 6th place Seattle

RE: The 1979 Oakland A's - (54-108)

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:32 am
by motnahp
Rich Gale (7-7) went nine as the Royals handed the A's their 5th straight loss, 8-3. Darrell Porter was 3-5 with 2 RBI for KC. Dwayne Murphy and Mitchell Page were 3-5. Page drove in two. Starter Rick Langford (5-8) was knocked out in the 6th, having surrendered 5 runs.

TUE JUNE 26

OAK_____3___12___1
KC______8___16___0