Two games in a row now, the Oakland Athletics have won in their final at bat.  This time, they put up 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning to steal the 6-3 victory.

Mark Ellis was responsible for tying the game up in the 9th with a triple that knocked in Travis Buck.  Ellis then scored on a fielder's choice to give the A's a 4-3 lead.  Crosby later came up and hit his second double of the game, driving in Chris Denorfia and Emil Brown.  Huston Street then came into the game to close it out, picking up his second save in a row, and second on the season.

Greg Smith made his ML debut last night and pitched pretty well.  He did give up three runs in the first inning, but settled down after that and finished with 6 strong innings of 2 hit ball.  He did walk 5 batters and hit another, but he didn't panic and let his defense work for him.  I'll be anxious to see how he handles his next start.

Let me get back to Bobby Crosby.  Is this the year that he FINALLY lives up to his superstar potential?  I hope it is.  I have been waiting for this day for a long time.  Toward the end of last season I was hoping the A's would trade him during the winter.  But, he has proved that he worked on his health and his game.  Crosby is hitting .306 so far, but the thing that is most impressive, is that he has only struck out 1 time in 36 at-bats.  He is showing the patience that is needed to be successful in the Majors, but is also being aggressive when he needs to be. 

Another player that has started playing up to their potential is Travis Buck.  Buck had another two hit night.  Both of his hits were doubles.  When the leadoff batter is on second base when the second hitter comes up, the game of baseball is a whole lot easier.  He has to continue to get on base though.  Buck has to hit around the .300 level this season for this team to have success.