Athletics capture a record ninth Owens/East Pennant

Post date: Aug 29, 2017 2:27:24 PM

Miguel Cabrera enjoys a celebratory cigar after the A's clinched the organization's ninth Pennant

The Athletics traveled to the Big Apple and downed the host New York Knights by a 9-3 score at Heroes of 9/11 Park in Week #21 action.

That victory, combined with a 7-4 upset by the Horsham Chargers up in Boston gave the A's their second Owens/East Pennant in the last three years. That makes a WFBL-record 9th overall Pennant for the Philly organization.

"This is especially sweet," said GM Matt Veasey. "It's always our goal to win the division, to be the best against all comers in a tough division over a long five months, with injuries and all the other ups and downs. It's a payoff for all of the hard work that went into trying to come back from what happened last year."

A year ago, coming off a 2015 Pennant that was the club's first in eight years, the Athletics thought they were set up to contend for years to come. Instead, the team collapsed to just it's third-ever losing record.

"The groundwork for this was laid last fall, when we agreed to the big trade for Chris Sale with Vegas," said Veasey. "After that, we worked to fill in holes and build up the pitching rotation, and we were willing to be bold and go big. This is the payoff. But we're not satisifed, these guys are ready for an exciting September."

Sale, who has been phenomenal all year in leading the rotation, had an uncharacteristically bad outing against New York. But he was picked up by outstanding performances from the two other members of the A's "Three Kings" rotation who also came in big package trades, Stephen Strasburg and Corey Kluber.

"Those guys are the biggest difference," said veteran first baseman Miguel Cabrera, puffing on a celebratory cigar in the visiting locker room. "We get strong pitching almost every week. If we can get our lineup healthy for the playoffs, we like our chances. No matter what, this team is going to fight."

The Athletics will now wrap-up the regular season with a game against the Boston Bulldogs back home at Liberty Bell Park. What was looking like a big showdown for a Pennant has now become a relaxed celebration week.

"Trust me, we're going to come to win," said manager Buck Showalter. "Boston is a great team, and we could well see them again a couple of weeks later. We'd like to send a message that we're the division champs for a reason."

As Miggy suggested, health in the lineup could go a long way towards determining just how far this already great season could go for the Athletics. Shortstop Trea Turner, out for months, is due back in time for the Semi-Finals. Both right fielder Bryce Harper and catcher Willson Contreras should be nearly ready by that point as well.

"Trea will be back, no doubt," said Veasey. "Bryce and Willson are progressing. Whether they make it back for the Semis, we're not sure. If not, hopefully we can pull it out and give them a chance to return for a run at Whitey Week."