Thanks for everything, Inge!

Athletics:  7  Red Sox:  1

The A’s began September exactly the same way the ended August; with a win.

It was a bitter sweet night for A’s fans, we began by celebrating the Bernie and ended by saying good-bye to the man who brought the Bernie to the Oakland Coliseum.

To begin with the good news, the A’s looked good again tonight at the plate.  They combined for 11 hits, 7 runs, 3 doubles, 2 home runs and 5 walks.  Coco Crisp had a huge night for the team, going 3-4 with a walk, a double and a home run (his 10th of the season).  Chris Carter, who went 1-4 tonight, hit his 13th home run of the season and Derek Norris went 2-4 tonight with 2 RBI.

The pitching was just as impressive as the offense, A.J. Griffin, who made his first start for Oakland since August 4, lasted 7 innings tonight and only allowed 3 hits, 1 run, walked none and struck out 5.  Pat Neshek pitched a clean eighth and the ninth and allowed only one hit while striking out 2.

Unfortunately, Brandon Inge, who returned from the DL today, had to leave the game in the fourth inning after he re-injured his shoulder.  Inge is expected to have surgery next week to repair his shoulder and is expected to miss the rest of the season.  Before leaving the game today Inge went 1-2 with a 2 run double in the third.  It’s sad to see Brandon Inge’s time end in Oakland, he played a big part in this run and he will definitely be missed by the A’s players and the fans.

A’s Extras:

• The A’s recalled OF Collin Cowgill and INF Brandon Hicks from Sacramento today.  Hicks was in the lineup tonight and played at shortstop, he was 0-3 with a walk and 2 strikeouts.
• Cliff Pennington replaced Brandon Inge tonight in the lineup and went 2-2 with a run.