This game really had it all. Chris Smith pitched a quality start after completely imploding in the first, the A’s defense made a couple nice plays, the rookies looked solid...oh yeah, and the two teams combined to score 11 runs in the 8th inning. That too. Fortunately Oakland came out of the melee on top against the stinky Royals, denying them the second Wild Card slot.
Chris Smith’s Miraculous Recovery
Chris Smith started the game about as poorly as one can start a game. Walk, stolen base, HBP vs. Lorenzo Cain. Smith fell behind Eric Hosmer in the count and then gave up a double to right field (catchable for someone faster than Joyce, so…most right fielders), making it 2-0 Royals three batters into the game.