A's 9, Rangers 7

Ah, Texas in August - it's always a series that is talked about in the weeks leading up to it, circled on the calendar, and dreaded. Last night's game was a good example of why.

Seven-run lead? Check. Blown save? Check. Thirteen innings in sweltering heat? Check.

Luckily the A's came out on top after this horror show.

I still continue to be impressed with Dallas Braden, even though his numbers don't back me up. His pitches have nice movement and as long as he continues to rack up strikeouts (7 in 5 innings last night), he'll be successful.

But how about that Andrew Brown? This is the guy we got from San Diego in the Milton Bradley deal, and I have to tell you - I didn't think he'd amount to much. But he has been very good, including five strikeouts in two innings of work last night. He hasn't given up a run in his last 10 2/3 innings pitched. If he keeps it up, he could be a very valuable piece in 2008.

Tonight we get to see if Chad Gaudin continues to slide or if he brings it like he did at the beginning of the year. Texas in August? The odds are not good. But anyway...

Go A's!!!