Angels 2, A's 1

In recent years, the A's have been known as the team who walks and waits for the three-run homer. And they never bunt and they never run.

In the first five games under Bob Geren's reign, however, we've seen some aggressive play on the basepaths. We've seen hit-and-runs and steal attempts. But the A's sure seemed to run their way out of this game.

It started in the fifth inning when Mark Ellis singled to center, stole second base, and took third on a throwing error by catcher Mike Napoli. But then with only one out, he ran on contact when Marco Scutaro grounded hard to shortstop Orlando Cabrera, and he was easily thrown out at home.

Then, in the 7th inning, Eric Chavez hit a leadoff double - a great way to put your team in position to score. Then John Lackey plunked Nick Swisher, so there were A's on first and second with nobody out. Mark Ellis tried to bunt them over, but Napoli caught Chavez getting aggressive and he was about a third of the way to third base when the Angels got him in a rundown.

Lots of squandered opportunities tonight, folks, and Dan Haren goes seven innings, gives up one earned run and takes the loss. Is he our hard luck loser this season?

Well we've got last year's good luck winner, Joe Blanton, going tomorrow against Kelvim Escobar as the A's try to get out of L.A. with a series split.

GO A's!!!