Currently: - Game info: 4:05 pm EDT Sat Jun 5, 2004
- TV: RSN
Oakland starter Tim Hudson has posted a strong record thus far this season. It would look even better if he’d gotten more help from his bullpen.
Hudson hopes his relievers hold up a little better as the Athletics continue a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays at Network Associates Coliseum.
Hudson turned in a solid outing on Sunday, allowing just two earned runs and a season-high 11 hits in eight innings of Oakland’s 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. He left trailing 2-1, but the A’s scored twice in the top of the ninth to put him in line for the win.
However, closer Arthur Rhodes gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning, including the game-winner on a wild pitch.
“A great performance by Huddy,” Oakland manager Ken Macha said. “We’ve got to get three outs in the ninth for him.”
Hudson, who has four no-decisions this season, has left with the lead three times this season without receiving a win. Over the last three seasons, the bullpen has blown 15 leads for Hudson, whose 74 wins since 2000 ranks second only to Arizona’s Randy Johnson (77).
Oakland’s entire rotation has been strong lately, earning a 1.84 ERA over the last seven games. However, none of them have received a decision during that stretch.
Rich Harden allowed just one run and four hits in seven innings Friday, but the effort was wasted as the Athletics fell 6-1 to the Blue Jays, snapping an eight-game home winning streak.
Eric Hinske hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and a two-run double in the ninth, and Vernon Wells got his 500th career hit with the Blue Jays, who have won eight of their last 11.
Jermaine Dye homered for the A’s, who snapped a three-game winning streak.
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