A'S RALLY TO LATE - HILJUS A FAILURE

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- Erik Hiljus watched his season rec drop to (0-4) and watched his ERA balloon up to 9.53, in the worst performance of the season thus far for the troubled righty. Hiljus pitching 4 2/3 innings, giving up all nine runs in the process, also walking five batters, and giving up eight hits. "Total failure," Graham called the performance. "If the guy just give us a little bit of help we might be easily leading the division right now, everyone is doing their part, except maybe Fyhrie, this guy needs to get with the program or hes going to be OUT."

The Chicago White Sox completed a three game sweep versus the hometown team, winning by a score of 9-7. The A's made a nice rally but fell just short. The Athletic's were down 9-2 after the fifth inning, where the A's began to chip away at the deficit, but simply just ran out of time. "Chance plays are fucking gay," DH Scott Hatteberg said post-game, "I could have raised my average up to like, .214, fuckin' gay."

Eric Chavez finally had a good game, going 2-5 with a run scored and three ribbies, he also had a solo shot. Tejada followed up Chavez's solo dinger with one of his own (10th of the year.) Tejada also collected two hits on the day, his season average still lingering over .400.

The bullpen weaved in and out of danger all night, however kept the Sox off the board, pitching 4 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. Koch was very effective, pitching two innings of scoreless ball and getting the big double play ball when needed. "Probably the savior of our bullpen," Graham said post-game. "He isn't getting alot of save chances so far so I feel that we can use him in non-save situations where you can't trust the other guys, which is the case right now. He kept us in the game, gave us a shot."

Timmy Hudson will toe the rubber for the A's next game, live from historic Yankee Stadium.


BOXSCORE: 2002 Chicago (AL) White Sox At 2002 Oakland Athletics     4/28/2002

  White Sox          AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  R.Durham 2B         5  0  0  0 .349     S.Hatteberg DH      5  0  0  0 .213
  J.Valentin 3B       5  1  1  0 .300     C.Pena 1B           4  2  1  1 .203
  F.Thomas DH         2  2  1  1 .271     E.Chavez 3B         5  1  2  3 .228
  M.Ordonez RF        4  2  1  2 .290     M.Tejada SS         4  1  2  1 .406
  P.Konerko 1B        4  1  2  1 .276     J.Giambi LF         3  1  1  0 .328
  C.Lee LF            5  1  3  2 .289     J.Dye RF            3  1  1  0 .111
  K.Lofton CF         3  1  1  0 .200     T.Long CF           3  0  0  0 .250
  R.Clayton SS        4  1  1  3 .234   A-O.Saenz PH          1  0  0  1 .225
  M.Johnson C         3  0  1  0 .254   C-M.Colangelo CF      0  0  0  0 .200
                                          R.Hernandez C       2  0  0  0 .149
                                        B-D.Justice PH        1  0  0  0 .233
                                        D-G.Myers C           0  0  0  0 .000
                                          F.Menechino 2B      3  1  1  0 .154
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---    
         Totals      35  9 11  9                 Totals      34  7  8  6

A-Pinch Hit For Long In 8th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 8th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (CF) For Saenz In 9th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Justice In 9th Inning

White Sox....... 3 0 1  0 5 0  0 0 0  -  9 11  0
Athletics....... 0 0 0  2 0 1  2 2 0  -  7  8  1

White Sox (16-9)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
T.Ritchie WIN(3-2)        5 1/3   6   3   3   1   2   3  96   4.58  A1 C5
A.Osuna                   1 1/3   1   2   2   2   3   0  35   6.75  C6 D3
M.Porzio                  0 1/3   1   2   2   1   0   0  14   4.91  D4 D6
B.Howry HOLD(3rd)         1       0   0   0   0   0   0   7   2.92  D7 D9
K.Foulke SAVE(5th)        1       0   0   0   0   1   0  15   4.97  E1
Totals                    9       8   7   7   4   6   3

Athletics (12-13)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
E.Hiljus LOSS(0-4)        4 2/3   8   9   9   5   4   3  97   9.53  A1 C8
M.Holtz                   1       2   0   0   1   1   0  25  10.38  C9 D5
J.Tam                     0 2/3   0   0   0   2   1   0  19   6.52  D6 D9
M.Magnante                0 2/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   8  15.43  E1 E2
B.Koch                    2       1   0   0   2   0   0  29   4.09  E3
Totals                    9      11   9   9  10   6   3

ATTENDANCE- 40,955 DATE- Sunday, April 28th 2002 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Tim Timmons, Tim Tschida, Greg Gibson, Chuck Meriwether
T- 3:33
LEFT ON BASE- White Sox:10  Athletics: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- White Sox: 1  Athletics: 1
ERRORS- R.Hernandez
DOUBLES- C.Lee-2(8th), E.Chavez(4th), J.Dye(1st)
TRIPLES- K.Lofton(1st), M.Johnson(2nd)
HOME RUNS- M.Ordonez(6th), P.Konerko(4th), R.Clayton(5th), C.Pena(6th),
           E.Chavez(6th), M.Tejada(10th)
STOLEN BASES- J.Valentin(2nd)
CAUGHT STEALING- C.Lee
SACRIFICE FLIES- F.Thomas
WALKS- R.Durham, F.Thomas-2, M.Ordonez, P.Konerko, K.Lofton-2, R.Clayton,
       M.Johnson-2, C.Pena, J.Giambi, R.Hernandez, F.Menechino
HIT BY PITCH- J.Dye
STRIKE OUTS- J.Valentin-2, M.Ordonez, P.Konerko, R.Clayton-2, S.Hatteberg-2,
             C.Pena, J.Giambi, J.Dye, R.Hernandez
GIDP- R.Durham, S.Hatteberg
WILD PITCHES- B.Howry
WEB GEMS- Top 9th: Miguel Tejada robbed Ray Durham of a base hit.

A'S LOSE ON SUICIDE SQUEEZE

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- The Athletic's got very good starting pitching from Cory Lidle (1-2, 4.11 ERA), who pitched eight innings of one run ball, scattering four hits. Kenny Lofton was a pain for the A's, getting on base, promplty swiping second, then taking third with ease in the eighth inning. Mark Johnson laid down a suicide squeeze and Lidle had no shot at home despite the infield in. The A's lost 1-0 in a frustrating game.

"Plenty of chances," said Manager Graham. "We had plenty of chances, runners on, no outs, couldn't get anything going. We do our best with what we have, but you can only strategize so much and try to get situational matchups before you have to realize that our lineup isn't all that strong right now." Mark Buerhle was equally effective, pitching seven innings of no run baseball. Damaso Marte caused fits for the A's power lefty bats, saving the game. The A's had a runner on third with two outs in the ninth and couldn't get him in. "It's just really frustrating when you think you have a set lineup to give you the best chance, you seemingly make all the right moves, and things just blow up in your face," Graham said after the game.

Graham said the team will be holding PFP (pitcher's fielding practice) as well as bunting drills before tomorrow's game. "I just feel if we could execute a little better on some routine plays, lay down a few bunts, we can get better. We have a few power hitters but very low average and on base percentages, we are going to need to figure out how to manufacture runs before help arrives."

Erik Hiljus (0-3, 7.50 ERA), looks to halt a series sweep for Chicago tomorrow. Best of luck.....Hiljus.

BOXSCORE: 2002 Chicago (AL) White Sox At 2002 Oakland Athletics     4/27/2002

  White Sox          AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  R.Durham 2B         4  0  0  0 .365     S.Hatteberg DH      4  0  2  0 .225 
  J.Valentin 3B       4  0  0  0 .305     O.Saenz 1B          4  0  2  0 .231 
  F.Thomas DH         4  0  1  0 .266     E.Chavez 3B         4  0  0  0 .219 
  M.Ordonez RF        2  0  0  0 .292     M.Tejada SS         2  0  0  0 .402 
  P.Konerko 1B        4  0  1  0 .266     J.Giambi LF         4  0  0  0 .327 
  C.Lee LF            3  0  1  0 .272     J.Dye RF            3  0  0  0 .067 
  K.Lofton CF         2  1  0  0 .143   A-D.Justice PH        1  0  0  0 .235 
  R.Clayton SS        3  0  0  0 .233     T.Long CF           3  0  1  0 .259 
  M.Johnson C         2  0  1  1 .250     R.Hernandez C       2  0  0  0 .153 
                                        B-C.Pena PH           0  0  0  0 .200 
                                          F.Menechino 2B      3  0  0  0 .100 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      28  1  4  1                 Totals      30  0  5  0

A-Pinch Hit For Dye In 9th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 9th Inning

White Sox....... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 1 0  -  1  4  1
Athletics....... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  5  0

White Sox (15-9)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
M.Buehrle WIN(3-1)        7       4   0   0   2   6   0 109   4.39  A1 D1
G.Glover                  0       1   0   0   0   0   0   3   8.47  D2 D2
K.Foulke HOLD(3rd)        1 1/3   0   0   0   1   3   0  18   5.40  D3 D7
D.Marte SAVE(1st)         0 2/3   0   0   0   1   1   0  13   7.27  D8
Totals                    9       5   0   0   4  10   0

Athletics (12-12)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Lidle LOSS(1-2)         8       4   1   1   2   5   0 111   4.11  A1 D1
C.Bradford                1       0   0   0   0   2   0  11   5.11  D2
Totals                    9       4   1   1   2   7   0

ATTENDANCE- 26,708 DATE- Saturday, April 27th 2002 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Chuck Meriwether, Tim Timmons, Tim Tschida, Greg Gibson
T- 2:16
LEFT ON BASE- White Sox: 4  Athletics: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- White Sox: 1  Athletics: 1
ERRORS- R.Clayton
DOUBLES- P.Konerko(7th), C.Lee(6th), M.Johnson(2nd), S.Hatteberg(6th)
STOLEN BASES- K.Lofton-2(2nd), C.Pena(2nd)
CAUGHT STEALING- T.Long
SACRIFICE HITS- M.Johnson, F.Menechino
WALKS- M.Ordonez, K.Lofton, M.Tejada-2, T.Long, C.Pena
HIT BY PITCH- M.Ordonez, R.Hernandez
STRIKE OUTS- R.Durham-2, J.Valentin-3, P.Konerko, R.Clayton, O.Saenz-2,
             E.Chavez, J.Giambi-3, J.Dye, D.Justice, R.Hernandez, F.Menechino
GIDP- M.Ordonez, E.Chavez
WILD PITCHES- D.Marte

SOX OUT SLUG A'S IN UGLY GAME

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- "Sloppy baseball," is exactly what Manager Graham called this game. The A's hit White Sox starter Jon Rauch hard, eight hits, eight earned, and slugged four homers off of him. They had a five run lead in the fifth inning, til' the bullpen imploded right before our eyes, again.

Fyhrie wasn't anymore more spectacular than his opposition, going 5 2/3 inning and giving up five earned on five hits. Fyhrie threw over 100 pitches, his ERA now stands at 9.90. The bullpen was taxed during the game in a desperate effort to neutralize the White Sox balanced lineup. Magglio Ordonez, and the surprising Royce Clayton led the offense charge for Chicago. Ordonez clubbed a three-run shot in the first inning, and Clayton provided three ribbies on his own on a 3-5 performance.

Tejada continued his torrid start, going 3-5 with a home run, two runs scored and two driven in on his big fly in the first. Pena, Giambi and Long all contributed homer's today as well, but in a losing effort, as the A's were downed 13-8 in the series opener.

Graham called it "The worst game we've played all year, period. I can't believe PROFESSIONAL baseball players can't throw strikes and hold a big lead. We walked seven batters, gave up 13 runs, used our whole bullpen practically, i'm speechless. This team is a big pile of warm shit on a summer's day, stinking up the joint." Chad Bradford was charged with the loss, going a 1/3 of an inning, giving up three earned, and also contributing an error to his stellar outing.

The A's got a breath of fresh air in the lineup today, with the return of Jermaine Dye from the DL, the right handed power bat they were desperately seeking. Dye finished the day 1-4. Fyhrie was asked about another atrocious start during a locker room interview: "I fucking suck." That's all he had to report. "It's kind of a shame," Terrence Long said, we finally get a good crowd and we play like next year's Tiger's team. What the fuck."

The Athletic's will turn their hopes to Cory Lidle. Lidle had mechanical problems during a pilot's license training session yesterday morning, and had to make an emergency landing, thank god he's such a good pilot!

BOXSCORE: 2002 Chicago (AL) White Sox At 2002 Oakland Athletics     4/26/2002

  White Sox          AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  R.Durham 2B         5  0  1  0 .380     S.Hatteberg DH      3  1  0  0 .212 
  J.Valentin 3B       3  2  1  1 .319     C.Pena 1B           5  2  2  2 .200 
  F.Thomas DH         4  2  1  0 .267     E.Chavez 3B         3  1  0  0 .228 
  M.Ordonez RF        4  2  1  3 .298     M.Tejada SS         5  2  3  2 .411 
  P.Konerko 1B        4  3  3  1 .267     J.Giambi LF         5  1  2  3 .353 
  C.Lee LF            5  1  1  2 .270     J.Dye RF            4  0  1  0 .083 
  K.Lofton CF         4  2  1  1 .200     T.Long CF           4  1  2  1 .256 
  R.Clayton SS        5  1  3  3 .241     R.Hernandez C       3  0  1  0 .157 
  M.Johnson C         2  0  0  2 .242   A-O.Saenz PH          1  0  0  0 .200 
                                        B-G.Myers C           0  0  0  0 .000 
                                          F.Menechino 2B      4  0  0  0 .143 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      36 13 12 13                 Totals      37  8 11  8

A-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Saenz In 9th Inning

White Sox....... 3 0 0  0 0 2  5 0 3  - 13 12  0
Athletics....... 2 0 3  1 2 0  0 0 0  -  8 11  1

White Sox (14-9)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Rauch                   4 2/3   8   8   8   2   3   4  89   6.11  A1 C5
B.Howry WIN(2-0)          1 2/3   1   0   0   1   2   0  20   3.18  C6 D3
D.Marte HOLD(3rd)         1       1   0   0   0   2   0  16   7.88  D4 D7
A.Osuna SAVE(2nd)         1 2/3   1   0   0   1   1   0  26   5.91  D8
Totals                    9      11   8   8   4   8   4

Athletics (12-11)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
M.Fyhrie                  5 2/3   7   5   5   3   3   1 104   9.90  A1 C8
J.Mecir HOLD(1st)         0 1/3   1   2   2   2   1   1  16   3.21  C9 D3
C.Bradford L(0-1) BS(1st) 0 1/3   2   3   3   1   0   0  21   5.56  D4 D9
M.Venafro                 1 2/3   1   1   1   0   0   1  14   4.26  E1 E5
M.Holtz                   0 1/3   0   1   1   1   0   0   7  13.50  E6 E7
J.Tam                     0 2/3   1   1   1   0   0   0  15   7.00  E8
Totals                    9      12  13  13   7   4   3

ATTENDANCE- 35,914 DATE- Friday, April 26th 2002 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Bill Welke, Fieldin Culbreth, Andrew Fletcher, Mike Winters
T- 2:54
LEFT ON BASE- White Sox: 6  Athletics: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- White Sox: 1  Athletics: 2
ERRORS- C.Bradford
DOUBLES- R.Durham(9th), F.Thomas(4th), P.Konerko(6th), R.Clayton(6th),
         J.Giambi(5th)
TRIPLES- R.Clayton(1st)
HOME RUNS- J.Valentin(8th), M.Ordonez(5th), P.Konerko(3rd), C.Pena(5th),
           M.Tejada(9th), J.Giambi(4th), T.Long(4th)
SACRIFICE HITS- M.Johnson
SACRIFICE FLIES- M.Johnson
WALKS- R.Durham, J.Valentin-2, F.Thomas, P.Konerko, K.Lofton, M.Johnson,
       S.Hatteberg-2, E.Chavez-2
HIT BY PITCH- M.Ordonez
STRIKE OUTS- R.Durham, F.Thomas, K.Lofton, M.Johnson, C.Pena-2, M.Tejada,
             J.Giambi-2, T.Long-2, F.Menechino
GIDP- R.Durham, J.Valentin, R.Hernandez
WILD PITCHES- B.Howry
WEB GEMS- Top 1st: Terrence Long robbed Ray Durham of an extra base hit.
          Bot 8th: Carlos Lee robbed Frank Menechino of an extra base hit.

ZITO PITCHES COMPLETE GAME TWO HITTER

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- Barry Zito was nearly un-hittable tonight, literally. If not for a botched chance play that led to a Derek Jeter homer in the first, Zito would have carried a no-hitter into the ninth with two outs, where Soriano collected the only other Yankee hit on the day. Zito also punched out 10 batters in the process. Manager Joe Torre didn't give any high praise to Zito however, during his post-game presser. "Pitcher's have freak days where they are better than they actually are talent-wise, and lineups have off days where you couldn't hit a beachball," Torre said, "and I think we had a combination of both today. The kid isn't any good, barely can hit 90 with his fastball, whatever. Big deal."

Zito made a bold proclamation pre-game that handling this lineup would be easy, and he made good on that promise. There was very little doubt from the get go that Zito was going to dominate. Catcher Ramon Hernandez said he only missed his spot a few times all day long. "The Jeter homerun was luck," Hernandez said after the game. "It was a perfect pitch, in a perfect spot, and he just went out and got it, you can't really fault yourself for that."

Zito said he's kind of glad that Jeter got to him in the first: "It's not that im glad he got a hit," Zito said, "it's just that if it would have gotten broken up with two gone in the ninth, that would be devastating. I knew I didn't have a shot from the get go so, It kind of helped me relax, and I didn't have the no-hitter talk all game long."

The A's season record now stands at 12-10. The win puts them .5 games back from division leading Seattle.

BOXSCORE: 2002 New York (AL) Yankees At 2002 Oakland Athletics      4/25/2002

  Yankees            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  A.Soriano 2B        4  0  1  0 .337     D.Justice RF        4  0  1  0 .238 
  D.Jeter SS          4  1  1  1 .235     S.Hatteberg 1B      4  0  1  0 .220 
  B.Williams CF       3  0  0  0 .275     E.Chavez 3B         4  0  1  0 .236 
  J.Giambi DH         3  0  0  0 .306     M.Tejada SS         4  1  1  1 .400 
  J.Posada C          3  0  0  0 .259     J.Giambi LF         2  0  2  0 .348 
  R.White LF          3  0  0  0 .229     C.Pena DH           3  0  0  0 .180 
  R.Coomer 3B         2  0  0  0 .278     M.Ellis 2B          2  0  0  0 .279 
A-R.Ventura PH,3B     1  0  0  0 .197     T.Long CF           3  2  2  2 .243 
  S.Spencer RF        3  0  0  0 .000     R.Hernandez C       3  0  0  0 .149 
  N.Johnson 1B        3  0  0  0 .219                                         
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      29  1  2  1                 Totals      29  3  8  3

A-Pinch Hit For Coomer In 8th Inning

Yankees......... 1 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  1  2  0
Athletics....... 0 0 1  1 0 0  1 0    -  3  8  1

Yankees (14-9)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
M.Mussina LOSS(2-3)       7       8   3   3   2   5   3 102   4.94  A1 D1
M.Stanton                 1       0   0   0   0   0   0   8   1.29  D2
Totals                    8       8   3   3   2   5   3

Athletics (12-10)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
B.Zito WIN(3-1)           9       2   1   1   3  10   1 117   2.68  A1
Totals                    9       2   1   1   3  10   1

ATTENDANCE- 33,929 DATE- Thursday, April 25th 2002 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Derryl Cousins, Alfonzo Marquez, Scott Packard, Jeff Nelson
T- 2:25
LEFT ON BASE- Yankees: 4  Athletics: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Yankees: 3  Athletics: 1
ERRORS- E.Chavez
DOUBLES- A.Soriano(12th), S.Hatteberg(5th), E.Chavez(3rd)
HOME RUNS- D.Jeter(3rd), M.Tejada(8th), T.Long-2(3rd)
WALKS- B.Williams, J.Giambi, J.Posada, J.Giambi, M.Ellis
STRIKE OUTS- A.Soriano, D.Jeter-2, B.Williams, J.Posada, R.White, R.Coomer-2,
             S.Spencer, N.Johnson, E.Chavez-2, C.Pena-2, T.Long
GIDP- R.White, C.Pena, M.Ellis
WEB GEMS- Top 5th: Eric Chavez robbed Rondell White of a base hit.

A'S SET SIGHTS ON SERIES WIN

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- The team will hold optional pre-game workouts tomorrow morning before the Athletic's are set to face the Yankee's in the rubbergame. Graham wants to make sure his players don't get lazy. "The weather's warming up alot and the heat gets to you," Graham said after game two of the series. "Alot of the player's seem more focused on eye-fucking the 19 year old cutie in the on deck circle then focusing on their at-bat. We must maintain focus and composure during this critical stretch."

Zito was asked about the task of facing the stacked Yank's lineup, and replied with a simple: "I had tougher assignments in kindergarten, ya know, the finger painting stuff." Zito displays supreme confidence in his game despite up and down starts. After getting lit up in a recent start, Zito was seen on the streets of Oakland jamming away at his guitar, spotted by TMZ's crack staff of reporters. "Barry has a knack of coming up in big situations, I have absolutely no doubt he can carry us to victory," batterymate Ramon Hernandez said.

The hitting is starting to catch fire, with the A's getting production down the lineup, much the opposite of how the season began. If the pitching can come together, the oak-town boy's can make a nice stretch run to end the month and get back on track.

Tomorrow, the first 1,000 fans will recieve a Derek Jeter voodoo doll. Feel free to poke and prod the half-breed at your heart's desire.

GIAMBI & WILLIAMS LEAD YANKEES CHARGE

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- The A's had high hopes with their ace Tim Hudson on the mound, and after a thrilling comeback win last night, momentum was certaintly in their favor. The A's got a rude awakening however, when former Athletic great Jason Giambi and clean up hitter Bernie Williams crushed the A's hope of a sweep.

Giambi went 4-5 with four ribbies and a big fly. Bernie williams went 3-5 with three ribbies and a homer as well. The A's were behind from the get go and could never recover from Hudson's shaky start. Hudson (2-2, 5.61 ERA) gave up nine earned, walked two and gave up 13 hits. Hudson was the victim of a bit of bad luck in the second inning, where two 'chance' plays both landed on "1" for a single. Had the odds prevailed, Hudson would have gotten out of the inning unscathed, however, the Yanks beat the odds and scratched across four runs, driving up Huddy's pitch count in the process.

Graham later debated whether letting Hudson continue past the fifth was the right decision: "I thought he was pitching well," Graham said after the game. "He got burned on a couple of bad breaks but for the most part he pitched well, the pitch count got to high but he had to give me a few more innings because of how much the bullpen was taxed last night. Even if we're giving up runs here and there, we cant max out our bullpen. I had to think beyond this game."

The A's were out-hit 17-7, despite a decent lineup put out by Graham. "I think I might change it up a bit, we had a few more good hitters in their than normal, however, our defense in the outfield particularly, suffered from it. We need to find a healthy balance and go with it, it's something we've been trying to figure out since spring camp broke. It'll take some time, but we just need to keep fighting," Graham said.

The Yankee's played like they had something to prove, and coming into tomorrow's rubbergame matchup, Barry Zito (2-1, 3.21 ERA) will try to get the win and salvage an Athletic's series victory!

Seats are still available, please visit your nearest ticket sales office or call 510-OAK-BALL.

BOXSCORE: 2002 New York (AL) Yankees At 2002 Oakland Athletics      4/24/2002

  Yankees            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  A.Soriano 2B        5  1  1  0 .340     M.Ellis 2B          4  0  1  0 .288 
  D.Jeter SS          3  3  1  1 .234     O.Saenz 1B          4  1  2  0 .206 
  J.Giambi DH         5  2  4  4 .317     E.Chavez 3B         4  0  1  0 .235 
  B.Williams CF       5  2  3  3 .286     M.Tejada SS         4  1  2  2 .407 
  J.Posada C          5  0  1  0 .269     J.Giambi LF         4  0  0  0 .318 
  R.Ventura 3B        5  1  3  1 .200     S.Hatteberg DH      3  0  0  0 .218 
  R.White LF          5  0  2  0 .238     D.Justice RF        4  0  1  0 .238 
  N.Johnson 1B        4  0  1  0 .229     R.Hernandez C       3  0  0  0 .156 
  E.Wilson RF         3  1  1  1 .400   A-C.Pena PH           1  0  0  0 .191 
                                          T.Long CF           3  0  0  0 .225 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      40 10 17 10                 Totals      34  2  7  2

A-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 9th Inning

Yankees......... 0 4 0  0 2 0  3 0 1  - 10 17  1
Athletics....... 0 0 2  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  2  7  0

Yankees (14-8)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
D.Wells WIN(3-2)          9       7   2   2   1   5   1 146   4.60  A1
Totals                    9       7   2   2   1   5   1

Athletics (11-10)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
T.Hudson LOSS(2-2)        6      13   9   9   2   6   2 129   5.61  A1 D4
J.Mecir                   1 1/3   1   0   0   1   2   0  23   1.98  D5 E1
J.Tam                     1 2/3   3   1   1   0   0   0  23   6.48  E2
Totals                    9      17  10  10   3   8   2

ATTENDANCE- 39,627 DATE- Wednesday, April 24th 2002 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Chris Guccione, Rich Rieker, Paul Emmel, Gerry Davis
T- 3:07
LEFT ON BASE- Yankees: 6  Athletics: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- Yankees: 0  Athletics: 3
ERRORS- A.Soriano
DOUBLES- J.Giambi(6th), O.Saenz(1st)
HOME RUNS- J.Giambi(4th), B.Williams(4th), M.Tejada(7th)
WALKS- D.Jeter-2, E.Wilson, S.Hatteberg
STRIKE OUTS- A.Soriano, B.Williams, J.Posada-4, R.Ventura-2, M.Tejada-2,
             D.Justice, C.Pena, T.Long
GIDP- D.Jeter, R.White, N.Johnson
WEB GEMS- Bot 3rd: Derek Jeter robbed Jeremy Giambi of a base hit.

A'S STUN YANKEES IN 12 INNING NAILBITER

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- In maybe the greatest game that will be played on the field this year, the underdog Athletics pulled off an absolute stunner to take game one of the series. Hiljus pitched solidy until the fifth, where the Yankee's seemed to have seized control of the game, striking for three runs and padding their lead to 6-3.  

 

In usual fashion, Graham made the unwanted call to the bullpen, however, instead of the usual implosion, the bullpen held it's own. Venafro pitched two innings of no run baseball, as well as Bradford. In the top of the ninth, Graham called for Billy Koch, who promptly let the yanks score again, widening the lead to 7-3. Ted Lilly was on to close the door for the Yank's, until, what can only be described as a perfect storm, the Athletic's struck for four runs, three on the strength of a Carlos Pena big fly that barely cleared the wall in left field.   



The game would ultimately be decided in the twelfth inning. Derek Jeter launched a solo shot to straight away center to start the inning. Giambi was intentionally walked, and on an 0-2 pitch, Bernie Williams mashed a no doubter to extend the Yankee's lead to 10-7. Mecir then took over, striking out Castillo, getting Ventura to fly out, and then punching out Rondell White.



Down by three in the bottom of the twelfth, Miguel Tejada laced a single into center to start the inning. Giambi, tying run still in the hole, tried to power one out, but got under just a bit, lofting a soft flyball out to center. Rivera had already thrown over 40 pitches, and was replaced by Steve Karsay to face Frank Menechino. Menechino worked the count full and then was nailed on the arm and was awarded first base. Scott Hatteberg took an 0-2 pitch out of the zone and sliced it over a leaping Jeter, loading up the bases for Mark Ellis. Steve Karsay threw Ellis four straight balls, walking in a run. Down by two, Ramon Hernandez scored another run, lifting a fastball to deep left field for a sac fly. With runners at first and second, David Justice ripped the ball deep into the left field gap, launching a bases clearing walk-off triple, as Ellis leaped into a mob of A's players waiting at home plate.

The Athletic's forced extra's with four in the ninth, and won with four in the twelfth.



"After it left his [Justices'] bat, I knew it was over," Graham said after the game. Graham was the first one out of the dugout waiting for Mark Ellis at homeplate. "This was single-handedly, the most important game we will play this year," Graham said. "It showed our grit and toughness as a team, to be down and facing the league's best closer, and have to get it done just to get to extra's, then winning the way we did, incredible."

Derek Jeter sat in the dugout after the game in complete shock. "You play that ninth inning a hundred times over, and we'd win the next 99," Jeter said after the game. Perhaps he's right, but this moment doesn't belong to Jeter, it belongs to the A's and the fans.

Boxscores and Play by Play below

BOXSCORE: 2002 New York (AL) Yankees At 2002 Oakland Athletics      4/23/2002

  Yankees            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG

  A.Soriano 2B        7  0  3  2 .347     D.Justice RF        5  1  1  2 .237 
  D.Jeter SS          7  1  2  1 .231     C.Pena DH           6  1  2  3 .196 
  J.Giambi DH         3  1  2  0 .286     E.Chavez 3B         5  1  2  1 .235 
  B.Williams CF       5  2  2  2 .264     M.Tejada SS         6  1  2  0 .402 
  J.Posada C          6  1  1  0 .274     J.Giambi LF         5  1  2  1 .350 
D-G.Williams PR       0  0  0  0 ----     T.Long CF           2  1  1  0 .235 
E-A.Castillo C        1  0  0  0 .000   A-O.Saenz PH          1  0  0  0 .167 
  R.Ventura 3B        5  2  2  2 .167   B-M.Colangelo CF      0  0  0  0 .200 
  R.White LF          7  1  1  2 .227   C-F.Menechino PH,CF   2  1  1  0 .333 
  J.Vander Wal RF     5  2  1  1 .313     S.Hatteberg 1B      6  1  2  1 .227 
  N.Johnson 1B        4  0  2  0 .227     M.Ellis 2B          5  2  1  1 .291 
                                          R.Hernandez C       4  1  2  2 .164 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      50 10 16 10                 Totals      47 11 16 11

A-Pinch Hit For Long In 6th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (CF) For Saenz In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Colangelo In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Ran For Posada In 10th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Williams In 10th Inning

Yankees......... 0 3 0  0 3 0  0 0 1  0 0 3  - 10 16  1
Athletics....... 1 2 0  0 0 0  0 0 4  0 0 4  - 11 16  2

Yankees (13-8)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
O.Hernandez               7       6   3   3   3   5   2 102   3.33  A1 D2
T.Lilly BS(1st)           1 1/3   4   4   4   1   3   1  37  13.06  D3 E2
M.Rivera                  3       4   1   1   0   3   0  42   1.54  E3 F5
S.Karsay L(0-1) BS(1st)   0 1/3   2   3   3   1   0   0  22   3.97  F6
Totals                   11 2/3  16  11  11   5  11   3

Athletics (11-9)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
E.Hiljus                  4       8   6   6   6   5   1  98   7.50  A1 C8
M.Venafro                 2       2   0   0   3   0   0  33   4.09  C9 D9
C.Bradford                2       1   0   0   1   0   0  32   3.27  E1 E7
B.Koch                    3       5   4   4   1   3   3  49   5.00  E8 G4
J.Mecir WIN(1-2)          1       0   0   0   0   2   0  14   2.19  G5
Totals                   12      16  10  10  11  10   4

ATTENDANCE- 42,075 DATE- Tuesday, April 23rd 2002 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Gerry Davis, Chris Guccione, Rich Rieker, Paul Emmel
T- 4:50
LEFT ON BASE- Yankees:15  Athletics: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Yankees: 2  Athletics: 1
ERRORS- M.Rivera, M.Ellis-2
DOUBLES- A.Soriano(11th), J.Giambi(5th), R.Ventura(3rd), M.Ellis(3rd),
         R.Hernandez(3rd)
TRIPLES- D.Justice(1st), M.Tejada(1st), T.Long(1st)
HOME RUNS- D.Jeter(2nd), B.Williams(3rd), R.White(1st), J.Vander Wal(6th),
           C.Pena(4th), E.Chavez(5th), J.Giambi(3rd)
STOLEN BASES- A.Soriano(7th), C.Pena(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- A.Soriano
SACRIFICE HITS- R.Hernandez
SACRIFICE FLIES- R.Hernandez
WALKS- J.Giambi-4, B.Williams-2, R.Ventura-2, J.Vander Wal, N.Johnson-2,
       D.Justice-2, E.Chavez, J.Giambi, M.Ellis
HIT BY PITCH- F.Menechino
STRIKE OUTS- A.Soriano-2, D.Jeter-2, J.Giambi, A.Castillo, R.White-2,
             J.Vander Wal, N.Johnson, D.Justice-2, C.Pena, E.Chavez-2,
             J.Giambi-2, T.Long, F.Menechino, M.Ellis, R.Hernandez
GIDP- B.Williams, S.Hatteberg
WEB GEMS- Bot 9th: Alfonso Soriano robbed Scott Hatteberg of a base hit.

*** TOP OF INNING 1 ***
0     A.Soriano   6- 3     2 Double                         b-2
0  2  D.Jeter     5- 6     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1  2                       1 Caught Stealing                2-o
2     J.Giambi    5- 7     3 Strike Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 1 ***
0     D.Justice   2- 4 18  2 Ground Out                     b-0
1     C.Pena      2- 9 12  2 Fly Out                        b-0
2     E.Chavez    2- 5  2  5 Home Run                       b-H
2     M.Tejada    4- 9     4 Fly Out                        b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 2 ***
0     B.Williams  6- 7     3 Single                         b-1
0 1   J.Posada    3- 9 13  2 Single                         1-3 b-1
0 1 3 R.Ventura   5- 4     2 Double                         3-H 1-H b-2
0  2  R.White     3- 8     6 Line Out                       b-0
1  2  J.Vander Wa 1- 9     6 Strike Out                     b-0
2  2  N.Johnson   3- 7     6 Walk                           b-1
2 12  A.Soriano   3- 7 11  5 Single                         2-H 1-3 b-1
2 1 3                      1 Stolen Base                    1-2
2  23 D.Jeter     1- 4     6 Fly Out                        b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 2 ***
0     J.Giambi    6- 5  3  1 Home Run                       b-H
0     T.Long      2- 5  1  5 Triple                         b-3
0   3 S.Hatteberg 3- 6 20  5 Single                         3-H b-1
0 1   M.Ellis     5- 2     3 Fly Out                        b-0
1 1   R.Hernandez          5 Sac Bunt                       1-2 b-0
2  2  D.Justice   3- 9     5 Ground Out                     b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 3 ***
0     J.Giambi    2- 6  3  5 Double                         b-2
0  2  B.Williams  1- 9     4 Walk                           b-1
0 12  J.Posada    6- 4     1 Ground Out                     2-3 1-2 b-0
1  23 R.Ventura            0 Int Walk                       b-1
1 123 R.White     6-12     5 Strike Out                     b-0
2 123 J.Vander Wa 3- 4     2 Ground Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 3 ***
0     C.Pena      4- 6 15  3 Line Out                       b-0
1     E.Chavez    1- 7     6 Strike Out                     b-0
2     M.Tejada    2- 4     3 Fly Out                        b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 4 ***
0     N.Johnson   6- 7     6 1 Base Error - 2B              b-1
0 1   A.Soriano   1- 5     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1 1   D.Jeter     2-10     2 Ground Out                     1-2 b-0
2  2  J.Giambi             0 Int Walk                       b-1
2 12  B.Williams  1- 8     6 Walk                           2-3 1-2 b-1
2 123 J.Posada    2-11     6 Ground Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 4 ***
0     J.Giambi    5- 7     1 Single                         b-1
0 1   T.Long      6- 8     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1 1   S.Hatteberg 1- 6     3 Ground Out Double Play         1-o b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 5 ***
0     R.Ventura   5- 4     5 Single                         b-1
0 1   R.White     4- 2  6  3 Home Run                       1-H b-H
0     J.Vander Wa 2- 2     4 Walk                           b-1
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Mike Venafro
0 1   N.Johnson   6- 5 14  6 Single                         1-3 b-1
0 1 3 A.Soriano   2- 5     2 Single                         3-H 1-o b-2
1  2  D.Jeter     5- 7     1 Ground Out                     b-0
2  2  J.Giambi             0 Int Walk                       b-1
2 12  B.Williams  6- 8  8  3 Force Play                     1-o b-1
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 5 ***
0     M.Ellis     5- 6     3 Fly Out                        b-0
1     R.Hernandez 3- 8     6 Pop Out                        b-0
2     D.Justice   4- 7     4 Strike Out                     b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 6 ***
0     J.Posada    5- 3  6  1 Ground Out                     b-0
1     R.Ventura   6- 8     6 Walk                           b-1
1 1   R.White     3- 8     5 Pop Out                        b-0
2 1   J.Vander Wa 6-10     3 Ground Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 6 ***
0     C.Pena      1- 3  2  1 Single                         b-1
0 1                        1 Stolen Base                    1-2
0  2  E.Chavez    1- 8     4 Walk                           b-1
0 12  M.Tejada    5- 8     5 Pop Out                        b-0
1 12  J.Giambi    2- 3     5 Walk                           2-3 1-2 b-1
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Olmedo Saenz
1 123 O.Saenz     3- 6     2 Line Out                       b-0
2 123 S.Hatteberg 4- 6  5  1 Line Out                       b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 7 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE CF- Mike Colangelo
0     N.Johnson   3- 8     6 Walk                           b-1
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Chad Bradford
0 1   A.Soriano   2- 7 17  3 Line Out                       b-0
1 1   D.Jeter     4-10     3 Single                         1-3 b-1
1 1 3 J.Giambi    1- 9     5 Walk                           1-2 b-1
1 123 B.Williams  2-10     5 Ground Out Double Play         1-o b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 7 ***
0     M.Ellis     3- 8     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1     R.Hernandez 2- 5     4 Strike Out                     b-0
2     D.Justice   1- 5     5 Walk                           b-1
2 1   C.Pena      2- 2 20  2 Fly Out                        b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
0     J.Posada    1- 7     6 Fly Out                        b-0
1     R.Ventura   2-10     5 Ground Out                     b-0
2     R.White     5- 7     5 Fly Out                        b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 8 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Ted Lilly
0     E.Chavez    5- 7     4 Strike Out                     b-0
1     M.Tejada    5- 7  5  6 Triple                         b-3
1   3 J.Giambi    4- 7     3 Strike Out                     b-0
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Frank Menechino
2   3 F.Menechino 3- 8     4 Strike Out                     b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 9 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE CF- Frank Menechino
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Billy Koch
0     J.Vander Wa 3- 6  2  3 Home Run                       b-H
0     N.Johnson   2- 8     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1     A.Soriano   6- 5     6 Strike Out                     b-0
2     D.Jeter     5- 6     3 Strike Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 9 ***
0     S.Hatteberg 6- 7     1 Ground Out                     b-0
1     M.Ellis     6-10     6 Double                         b-2
1  2  R.Hernandez 1- 5     5 Double                         2-H b-2
1  2  D.Justice   4- 9     4 Walk                           b-1
1 12  C.Pena      2- 2  9  4 Home Run                       2-H 1-H b-H
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Mariano Rivera
1     E.Chavez    5- 3     6 Single & Error - P             b-2
1  2  M.Tejada    5-10     1 Fly Out Double Play            2-o b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 10 ***
0     J.Giambi    6- 8  5  4 Single                         b-1
0 1   B.Williams  5- 8     4 Fly Out                        b-0
1 1   J.Posada    5- 4     3 Force Play                     1-o b-1
                             SUBSTITUTE PR- Gerald Williams
2 1   R.Ventura   5-10     2 Ground Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 10 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE C - Alberto Castillo
0     J.Giambi    4- 8     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1     F.Menechino 4- 6  4  5 Single                         b-1
1 1   S.Hatteberg 5-11     3 Pop Out                        b-0
2 1   M.Ellis              3 Force Play                     1-o b-1
*** TOP OF INNING 11 ***
0     R.White     5- 8     2 Fly Out                        b-0
1     J.Vander Wa 5- 9     2 Ground Out                     b-0
2     N.Johnson   5- 7     1 Single & Error - 2B            b-2
2  2  A.Soriano   1- 8     6 Ground Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 11 ***
0     R.Hernandez 1- 6     5 Single                         b-1
0 1   D.Justice   5- 5     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1 1   C.Pena      2- 8     4 Strike Out                     b-0
2 1   E.Chavez    6- 8     5 Ground Out                     b-0
*** TOP OF INNING 12 ***
0     D.Jeter     4- 9  4  5 Home Run                       b-H
0     J.Giambi             0 Int Walk                       b-1
0 1   B.Williams  1- 4  6  5 Home Run                       1-H b-H
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Jim Mecir
0     A.Castillo  2- 5     3 Strike Out                     b-0
1     R.Ventura   3- 3     6 Fly Out                        b-0
2     R.White     4- 8     5 Strike Out                     b-0
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 12 ***
0     M.Tejada    1- 8     3 Single                         b-1
0 1   J.Giambi    5- 7     1 Fly Out                        b-0
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Steve Karsay
1 1   F.Menechino 3-12     3 HBP                            1-2 b-1
1 12  S.Hatteberg 3-11  5  3 Single                         2-3 1-2 b-1
1 123 M.Ellis     3- 5     6 Walk                           3-H 2-3 1-2 b-1
1 123 R.Hernandez 2- 7     5 Sac Fly                        3-H b-0
2 12  D.Justice   5- 6 13  5 Triple                         2-H 1-H b-3

OAK-TOWN PREPARES FOR BRONX BOMBERS

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- Mandatory workouts were held today before a three game set against the Yankees commences tomorrow. From all accounts, it was a laid back kind of practice, a few laps around the park and some calistenics. "We just want to be loose and ready to go," Graham told the media.

Graham had previously thought of skipping Hiljus in the rotation and giving it a go with Hudson, Mulder and Fyhrie, however backed down from it earlier than the day. "You never want to throw out one of your worst pitchers for game one of a big series, I guess it all evens out in the end though," Graham said.

The Yankees are coming into the game with a 13-7 record, tops in the American League in wins, however, only a 5-6 road record. The Yanks road record bodes well with the Athletic's, however, something of a concern is the Yankee's ability to absolutely murder lefty starters. New York is 4-0 against lefty starters on the season. With Zito notched for the potential rubber game, he will need to be on top of his game against the Yankee's lineup.

The A's have faired rather the same no matter where they play, home or on the road, however that isnt necessarily a good thing. The Athletic's home record is a shade over .500 at 6-4, and on the road 4-5. The A's have been sputtering a bit as of late, going 4-6 in the last 10 games. In somewhat of a shock, in one run games this year, the Athletic's are 5-1, quite amazing considering how awful their bullpen has looked. One thing Oakland can rely on for success at home is their power. The Oakland power bats in the lineup seem to light up more at home, clocking 12 homers as opposed to their opponets four. Oakland has managed to out slug almost all of their opponets in terms of home run numbers, by a score of 23-13.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Oak, SS: Miguel Tejada (Tejada is hitting .408, with six bombs and 12 ribbies. Tejada is doing consistent damage so far this season, hitting .406 vs lefties and .409 vs righties. No way we see any rest for Tejada anytime soon.)

NYY, CL: Mariano Rivera (Rivera has barely a blemish on his 2002 campaign thus far, with a 1.04 ERA, to go along with four saves, averaging about a strikeout per inning. The only concern we see going forward with Rivera is his rare walk total this year. He has already walked four batters in nine innings, unusual for the sure-handed Rivera. Keep your eyes on him, he will kill you if they throw him out in the eighth inning early.)

NYY, 1B: Jason Giambi (Giambi wil return home for the first time since departing the Bay Area to sign with the Yankee's. Fan's have publicly addressed their anger and disgust for the cowardly move. Giambi is only hitting .270 so far with three homers and 15 ribbies. Expect a chorus of boo's to rain down on the Yankee's first sacker. However, if Giambi busts out of his slump, it could be a long day for Giambi hater's at Network Associates Coliseum.)

If you do plan to attend the game, please make sure you ensure a safe environment, glass bottles being chucked onto the field and coke cans spilling into dugouts will NOT be tolerated. However, you are a paying customer, so feel free to to verbally harrass players.

TORRE TRASHES GRAHAM IN NEW YORK POST

by Sammy Almada

New York City -- New York Yankees manager Joe Torre wasted no time coming to the defense of his new slugging threat Jason Giambi. Giambi was publicly criticized last off-season for signing with the evil empire over the fan base that adored him.

Torre called Graham's off-color remarks of his players recently "distasteful", then later went on to call Graham a "hateful pariah." "Graham seems like the kind of guy who doesn't get out alot, spends his nights alone watching youtube videos and eating cheetoes," Torre said. "He doesn't have a clue how to manage a big leauge team, he would rather lash out at his team than take the time to sit down and figure out a solution, he is a hateful pariah."

Graham fired back saying "I don't have a clue? I watched the World Series last year, Joe. It was one of the most mis-managed game sevens I have ever watched. You don't have trust in your bullpen either Torre, using Rivera for the eighth and ninth inning every game, it's a bitch move."

The usually soft-spoken Derek Jeter jumped to his coaches defense. "We dont wan't to get wrapped up in Oakland's shit show," Jeter exclaimed. "We have Jason's back, all the way." Giambi got wind of the news while packing for Oakland. "Oh wow...," Giambi said, "I didn't know things were getting this wild, well, I have one thing to say to Oakland's fanbase: I WILL CRUSH YOU."

Fire up the grill, get a six-pack, and tune in, the fireworks are going to fly in Oakland.

BULLPEN FALTERS, GRAHAM GOES BALLISTIC

by Clive Dahlton

Oak, CA -- A day shy of publicy humiliating his team, specifically the bullpen, Graham found himself in the situation he, knowingly or not, needed to be in, a close game where the bullpen could redeem themselves by locking it down for an inning or two.

The bullpen faltered, again, and Graham was seen in the dugout grabbing a bat from Carlos Pena and mercilessly beating the gatorade bucket and storming into the clubhouse, amidst a chorus of boos from the A's faithful. "I have no fucking bullpen," Graham stressed repeatedly during his post game interview. I have absolutely ZERO trust in our bullpen, nada, zero, fucking NO trust in them."

Lidle gave the A's a solid start, pitching six strong, giving up six hits, and letting two runs cross the plate. The Athletic's came back with a strong sixth inning to take Lidle off the hook for a loss, scratching across two runs to tie the game. In the eighth inning, Mecir and Bradford were a welcome sight to Angel's batters, who teed off on every middle of the plate fastball thrown. "The velocity was down, the command was off, no one has a fucking role in this bullpen. I swear to fucking god, I'll fuckin' start designating people."

Graham's frustrations are warranted however, watching his bullpen blow countless leads and let teams back into games. Now Graham has an off day to think about it, a day which will more than likely include a lineup change, shuffeling around the bullpen, and thinking about the next series, a date with the defending American League Champion, New York Yankees. Ticket's are already sold out for the game, Giambi's return to Oakland. Fan's have waited all offseason to boo Giambi in his return, however with the Athletic's pitching woos, Giambi might have the last laugh.

Graham didn't lash out in a profanity laced tirade in the manner he did yesterday after the pitching faltered, however, let his anger be known by telling the entire team "I'm fucking dissapointed in you, all of you. You've made this team the laughing stock of the league, making every sports center not top 10 list, and you have no one to blame but yourselves. THROW FUCKING STRIKES. If we get beat, we get beat, but for the love of god if you walk two batters to start an inning, nothing good can come of it."

Scott Hatterberg blamed the 4.30 am drills across the field, claiming it "wore us out." Graham relentlessly fired back, "Grow up, their are 14 year old kids out there running 4 miles a day and still have enough energy to fuck their flat chested girlfriends, a guy getting paid millions of dollars to swing a wooden bat five times a day can't complain about being tired. Plus, he plays fucking first base, all you have to do is stand there, and you can't even do that right."

Graham re-iterated strongly that the Yankee's series is a pivotal point of the early season. "Look, if we are going to play October baseball, chances are, we're going to be facing this team, in addition to alot of other good teams. I dont hate my team, I just know we are way better than this, I know we have a great team. The media can percieve me however they want to, I cant get caught up in it. Anger is the only thing that sticks sometimes, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but we need to have a wake up call. This upcoming series is a pivotal point early on in the season, you want to prove your not a joke? Beat this fucking team. Obliterate them, it's going to be nationally televised, its time to sink or swim."

BOXSCORE: 2002 Anaheim Angels At 2002 Oakland Athletics             4/21/2002

  Angels             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Athletics          AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Eckstein SS       5  0  1  0 .329     D.Justice RF        4  1  0  0 .239 
  D.Erstad CF         5  0  0  0 .300     M.Ellis 2B          4  1  1  0 .300 
  T.Salmon RF         3  2  2  0 .307     E.Chavez 3B         3  0  0  0 .224 
  G.Anderson LF       5  2  2  1 .286     M.Tejada SS         4  0  1  2 .408 
  T.Glaus 3B          2  1  0  0 .237     J.Giambi DH         0  0  0  0 .343 
  B.Fullmer DH        5  1  3  3 .314     S.Hatteberg 1B      4  0  0  0 .217 
  S.Spiezio 1B        5  0  1  1 .232     T.Long CF           3  1  0  0 .227 
  B.Molina C          4  0  2  1 .297     R.Hernandez C       3  0  0  0 .140 
  A.Kennedy 2B        4  0  0  0 .278   A-O.Saenz PH          1  0  1  1 .172 
                                          M.Colangelo LF      3  0  0  0 .200 
                                        B-C.Pena PH           1  0  0  0 .175 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      38  6 11  6                 Totals      30  3  3  3

A-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 9th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Colangelo In 9th Inning

Angels.......... 0 0 0  0 0 2  0 3 1  -  6 11  2
Athletics....... 0 0 0  0 0 2  0 0 1  -  3  3  1

Angels (10-8)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
A.Sele                    5 1/3   1   2   1   4   2   0  80   4.11  A1 C4
A.Levine WIN(1-2)         2 1/3   1   0   0   2   1   0  41   4.35  C5 D5
T.Percival SAVE(3rd)      1 1/3   1   1   1   1   2   0  26   2.25  D6
Totals                    9       3   3   2   7   5   0

Athletics (10-9)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Lidle                   6       6   2   2   2   2   0  99   5.16  A1 C8
J.Mecir LOSS(0-2)         1       1   1   1   0   2   0  17   2.38  C9 D3
C.Bradford                0 1/3   3   2   2   1   0   0  24   4.00  D4 D8
M.Holtz                   1 2/3   1   1   1   2   0   0  38  12.00  D9
Totals                    9      11   6   6   5   4   0

ATTENDANCE- 31,955 DATE- Sunday, April 21st 2002 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Greg Gibson, Chuck Meriwether, Tim Timmons, Tim Tschida
T- 3:31
LEFT ON BASE- Angels:10  Athletics: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Angels: 0  Athletics: 0
ERRORS- T.Glaus, A.Kennedy, C.Lidle
DOUBLES- T.Salmon(5th), G.Anderson(7th), S.Spiezio(3rd), B.Molina(7th)
SACRIFICE HITS- M.Ellis
WALKS- T.Salmon-2, T.Glaus-3, D.Justice, E.Chavez, J.Giambi-4, T.Long
STRIKE OUTS- D.Eckstein, T.Glaus, S.Spiezio, A.Kennedy, M.Ellis, S.Hatteberg-2,
             T.Long, C.Pena
WILD PITCHES- T.Percival-2