– As I’ve said before, it’s a different hero every game with this Sox team. Tonight, it was Jordan Danks’ turn for the first time this year and the first time in his young career. His bomb off former Twins set-up man Pat Neshek was a no-doubter, and it sent Sox fans home happy tonight. Considering how the Royals series went, this is a big victory, and it was against a good A’s team.
– It didn’t feel that way for most of the game though, as the A’s looked to have total control through the first six innings of this game. Gavin Floyd was hit hard early, but like he’s been doing lately, he found a way to settle in and give the team a quality start. I’m not sure how much longer he can keep playing with fire like this, but I’ll tell you what, he’s become a much more mentally tough pitcher than he’s been in the past. He deserves a lot of credit for that.
– The offense was all courtesy of the solo home run tonight, and it was all courtesy of the 5-6-7-8 slots in the order. 9-1-2-3-4 was 3-for-18 tonight, while AJ Pierzynski, Alexei Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo and Danks all hit solo home runs. Sure, you would like to see this offense string some hits together, but with the way the “O” is scuffling right now, we shouldn’t really complain about four home runs in a game.
The Sox mob Jordan Danks at home plate after his walk-off home run: his first homer of his young career (photo via Chicago Now).
– Great job by the bullpen tonight. We saw exactly how Robin plans to use Leyson Septimo from this point on: come in and get out the left-handed hitters. Jesse Crain, Matt Thornton and Brett Myers all shut down Oakland after Septimo. This bullpen is really starting to round into form, and it’s really exciting to see.
– This A’s team can pitch, no doubt, but in getting a look at them for the first time since April, it’s hard for me to see how this team can stick around for the rest of this season. That’s a VERY underwhelming offense they have. Sure, if I had the choice between dominant hitting and dominant pitching, I’d choose pitching. However, to get into the postseason in the American League, you need an offense that can at least be somewhat of a threat. Oakland trotted out four guys tonight hitting below .225. I don’t see how that’s going to cut it.
The Sox will throw Francisco Liriano tomorrow, while Oakland will counter with Tommy Milone. Liriano has been great since joining the Sox, while Milone has had a very good year and shut the Sox down earlier this season. I’m expecting another low-scoring pitcher’s duel. Can the Sox build off tonight’s momentum?
—————————————-
Posted by Luke Stanczyk, GSB! Contributor.