Bullpen thanks team’s confidence with blown game
posted in 2007 season, Oakland A's |A’s 7, Tigers 3
It’s not that it’s totally the bullpen’s fault. Justin Verlander did have four runs tagged to his name, three earned. He did get up in the pitch count early, walk a few too many guys, and leave too much work for the bullpen to clean up in just the sixth inning.
But, well, let’s face it. The pen did nothing to stop the bleeding. It didn’t keep Verlander’s baserunners from scoring. It couldn’t even keep its own bases clean! Nor stop them from scoring. Nursing a 3-1 lead, the Tigers gave up four runs in the sixth and a few more later. Blame Macay McBride, who didn’t even get an out but was charged two runs on top of what he allowed in of Verlander’s, and Jason Grilli, if you like, though at least he bailed out McBride.
Well, what’s another blown game due to pitching? Nothing new. Maybe Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya will both magically pitch like it’s 2006.
Bright spots? Obviously I mentioned Polanco. Gary Sheffield has hit No. 2,500 in his career. Sean Casey scored on a suicide squeeze. Mike Rabelo laid down the bunt on that one. That was pretty cool anyway.
Pudge served his one-game suspension from earlier this season.
Cleveland lost, anyway. I guess that’s something.
I’m sick of losing.
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