Oakland Athletics showing nerves of steel against Detroit Tigers – MLB Update
Oakland Athletics were absolutely brilliant in Game 4 of their five match American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers, holding their nerves for a narrow 4-3 win to force the series into the decider.
Tigers used their home conditions superbly in first two games of the series, rallying for a 2-0 series lead. Credit should be given to the A’s for showing excellent fighting abilities under pressure. Putting up a powerful pitching performance, the A’s shutout
the Tigers 2-0 in Game 3 to keep the series alive.
Showing great determination and mental toughness, the A’s held their nerves to clinch another narrow win on Wednesday, October 10 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland. With their win, the A’s also levelled the series 1-1 and it will be interesting to see if they
can continue the good work in the finale to make history.
Coco Crisp, who has been in terrific form over the last couple of months, had one of the best outings of this season as he delivered the tie breaking single in the ninth against Tigers’ reliever Jose Valverde.
"We've heard a lot of people say we're not smart enough to know when to lose a game like most people do," said Josh Reddick. "We've been battling 'til the 27th out all year and we're not going to stop now."
"There's a confidence," manager Bob Melvin said. "We've done it so many times, so there's always going to be that confidence until we make that last out."
"It's amazing," Crisp said. "The guys in front of me obviously did a fantastic job of getting on base. ... This club, we've been battling the whole year, giving 100 percent."
Tigers led the score 3-1 in the eighth and the A’s needed to play out of their skins to avoid an embarrassing series defeat and that is exactly what they did. Seth Smith had nerves of steel as he doubled to deep right centre in the ninth inning to tie the
score 3-3.
Closing pitcher Ryan Cook was awarded with the win after he tossed 1.1 shutout innings to hold off the Tigers.
Tags: