SEATTLE — The ‘W’ did not go next to his name, and surely that didn’t matter one bit.
Chris Smith set a goal to give the A’s six innings Saturday in the biggest game of his professional career. He did that, and afterward exuded equal parts excitement, relief and, probably most importantly, a well-deserved sense of achievement.
The oldest pitcher in A’s history to ever make his first career start, the 36-year-old journeyman held Seattle to three runs over six innings, then watched his teammates rally late for a 4-3 victory at Safeco Field.
That closed the book on a day filled with anticipation and nerves for Smith, who five years ago walked away from pitching and re-enrolled at UC Riverside, figuring his playing days might be done.