With the score 3-3, Oakland A's right-hander Pat Neshek came on to pitch the bottom of the ninth against the White Sox. A's Broadcaster Ray Fosse said of Neshek, "He has pitched spectacular baseball for the Athletics since joining the club ... funky delivery but it's worked out, especially against the righties and he hopes to continue that tonight as he makes his fifth appearance out of the 'pen."
Jordan Danks’ 1st Career Homer Beats A’s
The first White Sox batter was Alexei Ramirez, a right-handed hitter. Neshek, employing his uniquely funky delivery, struck out Ramirez with an 84-mile-an-hour fastball.
The second White Sox batter was Dayan Viciedo, another right-handed hitter. Neshek retired Viciedo on a major-league pop-up.
The third White Sox batter -- and the last, as it turned out -- was Jordan Danks, a left-handed hitter.
If that last name sounds familiar but the first name doesn't, it's because Jordan Danks is a little-used rookie, best known as the younger brother of White Sox pitcher John Danks, who unfortunately went on the Disabled List a few weeks before Jordan debuted, and won't return until next season.
Did I mention that Jordan Danks is a left-handed hitter? Neshek threw Danks a fastball, belt-high and toward the middle of the plate, and Danks drove it well over the fence in right field to end the game.
It wasn’t merely Jordan Danks’ first game-winning hit in the major leagues; it was his first home run.
All the while, left-handed reliever Jordan Norberto was out in the 'pen, warming for the A's.
This was a big win for the White Sox, who maintained their 1-game lead over the second-place Tigers in the American League Central.
This was a big loss for the Athletics, who are battling four other clubs at the top of the Wild Card standings. In his first start since coming off a seven-week stint on the Disabled List, Brandon McCarthy gave up three runs -- all coming on solo home runs -- in six innings.
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