March 26, 2008
Harden back on track; earns split for A's
Rich Harden looked like Rich Harden of old pitching a gem against the Boston Red Sox in the 5-1 win. Harden threw six innings, gave up three hits, walked three, gave up one run (solo shot to Manny Ramirez) and struck out nine to grab his first victory of the season.
Looking at the box score it is easy to see why Harden had success with nine strikeouts to a casual baseball fan, but a die hard fan would know otherwise. As a pitcher the key to success is not letting the lead off man on and Harden did just that. The A's ace did not allow any Red Sox lead off batter on base in the six innings he pitched.
Goat of the Game: Jon Lester
If Lester wanted to prove he belonged in this rotation his performance suggested otherwise. Four innings pitched, five hits, four runs, four earned, three walks, four strikeouts and a home run given up to Emil Brown did not suggest that Lester is ready this season.
Preview of Next Game: Probables - None for Boston vs. Joe Blanton (OAK)
Hopefully Boston's offense gets enough sleep to be able to hit in the spacious Coliseum.
Discussion
6 Comments on "Harden back on track; earns split for A's"
#1
Posted by Jaredk, March 26, 2008 12:39 AM
"If Lester wanted to prove he belonged in this rotation his performance suggested otherwise"
Lester has proved that he belongs on the rotation already...he is not at all concerned about proving that imo. Who was he worried about taking his spot? Its one bad start exasperated by a single misplaced cutter...the guy works hard and has good enough stuff to be a successful #3...he's going to be fine.
#2
Posted by Shawn Medeiros, March 26, 2008 1:21 PM
JdK - I feel that he will be fine too. But to those doubters out there this is kind of what they wanted to see happen. I have gotten in arguments with people in a bank line about how Lester is ready, but other people think otherwise.
I bet in his next start he goes 7 strong and gives up two runs.
#3
Posted by Shawn Medeiros, March 26, 2008 1:21 PM
Lester will be alright. I was hoping he would have a good day to shut up those doubters. I love Lester.
#4
Posted by Jaredk, March 26, 2008 3:30 PM
I got it, just misconstrued the statement a bit. Definitely a Lester supporter as well... I think he will find a groove with his mechanics at some point and get on a pretty good roll.
#6
Posted by Gerry, March 26, 2008 11:16 PM
We have waited this long for Jon Lester to emerge. This IS still S.T., no doubt, so a little more patience is called for. He will get it going, and be a solid +3 or another 2. Look at the problems faced by Daisuke, Snyder, Papelbon, Street. These two games are anomolies.
And he got no run support with Harden's typical 6IP. My dreams of Harden & Street to replace Santana and Gagne were good ones, except my campaign had us trading for them both in a reasonable deal (for BB) while still in rehab, and watching them comeback at Fenway. I guess it's too late now. Good for them and Oakland, too bad for us. But our rotation and pen are still fine.
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