Millwood took the mound last night and, despite not having his best stuff, battled for 8 innings, giving the offense and chance to get back into the game.
And get back into it they did, scoring three in the 6th, finally pulling ahead in the bottom of the 8th inning thanks to an RBI single by Nelson Cruz.
Truth be told, Texas was lucky to even be in a position to take the lead.
Oakland's starting pitcher Brett Anderson was pitching well before developing a blister on his left index finger. He was pulled from the game in the 6th inning. Reliever Santiago Casilla, third baseman Nomar Garciaparra and second baseman Mark Ellis were all forced out of the game with calf injuries.
"We definitely caught some breaks tonight," Michael Young said.
Frank Francisco pitched the 9th, continuing his dominance and picking up his 6th save of the year. He has still yet to allow an earned run this season.
"That was big-time right there by Frankie," manager Ron Washington said. "That was really big-time."
"It was great," Millwood said. "He was doing what he has been doing all year, coming in there and throwing quality strikes. He's enjoying his job, and everybody is confident when he comes in."
Since Aug. 22, Francisco is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA with five walks and 30 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings over 23 appearances. He is 11-for-11 in save opportunities, and opponents are hitting .113 off him.
"I don't know of any team that doesn't have a shut-down guy like that and gets to the playoffs," Byrd said. "You need a guy that when he comes in, you feel the game is over. When Frankie comes into the game for us, it's a sigh of relief."
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