Game #160: A's 0, Angels 6

September 29, 2006 | A's @ Los Angeles Angels

Zito will start Game 1 of the ALDS and Loaiza gets the ball for Game 2.

That was the big announcement yesterday. Like the A's, I'm slacking as I wait for the playoffs to start. Here are my highlights of the Friday game with the Angels.

• Esteban Loaiza was limited to 75 pitches so he was removed after four innings. Ken Macha keeps calling him E-Lo and that drives me nuts! At some game last week, they showed a close-up of Loaiza's shoes and he had "E. Lo" stitched on them. Ugh!
• Joe Blanton relieved Loaiza and pitched through the 7th. Much has been said about Blanton being a good sport for not being given a clear spot in the rotation for the ALDS, but come on. I don't see Blanton as being the type to throw some prima donna hissy fit and demand a start.
• In the bottom of the 8th with Kiko Calero pitching, Chone Figgins got an inside-the-park home run. Hiram Bocachica, playing right field, slipped and fell and couldn't get the ball in time and Figgins made it safely all the way home. Poor Bocachica looked mighty embarrassed and they kept showing him on TV!
• Also announced Friday: Antonio Perez (gasp!) broke his index finger and cannot play in the post-season. What a huge disappointment that must be for him.
• [Updated 9/30/2006 10:55 PM: Forgot to add, Jeremy Brown geared up and went behind the plate as catcher for an inning or so.]

Part of me doesn't care that the Angels are winning these games, but part of me also wants the A's to beat them. I mean, let's pour some salt in the wounds.


(Game experience: Radio and TV)

A's record: 92-68 | streak: L-2 | well-A-meter: 5.00