Rich Harden took the mound for the second time this season yesterday.  And, for the second time, he pitched a very impressive game.  However, the bullpen that I was just praising yesterday, managed to take all the good of Harden's game and completely crap on it!  The bullpen gave up 5 runs yesterday.  The only 5 runs of the game, I might add.  Harden threw 5 innings of 4 hit, shutout ball and then down came the poo storm!  Here is a look at the bullpen:

• Andrew Brown:  2/3 inning - 1 hit - 1 walk - 1 strikeout
• Alan Embree:  1 1/3 inning - 2 hits - 2 runs (both earned) - 1 Big Papi home run - 1 strikeout
• Lenny DiNardo:  0 innings pitched - 4 hits - 2 runs (both earned)
• Santiago Casilla:  1 inning pitched - 1 hit - strikeout
• Huston Street:  1 inning pitched - 1 hit - 1 run (earned) - 1 Jason Varitek home run

Again, the offense was anemic.  Only 4 hits yesterday.  Although, Daric Barton finally got his first hit (a double) of the season.  The other hits were by Kurt Suzuki, Jack Hannahan, and Emil Brown.  But, when all you hit are singles, and in different innings, it doesn't help much!

The A's will take on Cleveland this weekend in Oakland for a three game series starting on Friday.  Justin Duchscherer will take the mound for his first start this season.  I'll be interested to see how he fits in as a starter this season.

If you would like to read the perspective of a Sox fan, you can hop on over to a few of our network bloggers.  Here and Here