After such a great start to his season, Brandon Webb has indeed fallen on hard times. Last night was proof, as Arizona was routed 15-1 to visiting Oakland.
Webb's line:
IP H R ER BB K HR PC-St ERA
3.1 9 7 7 5 3 2 84-49 3.27
The 3 1/3 innings is his shortest outing of the year. The seven earned runs allowed is the most in a start this year. In his last two starts, Webb has allowed 10 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings, as his record dropped to 11-3.
This from the Arizona Republic:
Webb's previous start was a week ago against the Mets at Shea Stadium, and he lasted just five innings, throwing 58 pitches and exiting after being struck in the side by a drive off the bat of Carlos Delgado.
There also were whispers of a "dead arm," which every pitcher experiences during the course of the season.
Webb left the clubhouse before reporters were allowed in, but manager Bob Melvin and catcher Chris Snyder said Webb's arm was fine.
"He was where he was in April and early May. His stuff was there," Snyder said. "It was one of those nights where that stuff shouldn't happen."
Melvin said: "Oddly enough, he felt great. His velocity was back up.
"He had some trouble with the movement on his sinker at times, but they (Athletics) hit some good pitches."
Related links:
- A's hammer Arizona ace Webb. [San Jose Mercury-News]
- Webb, pen blasted by Athletics. [Arizona Republic]
- Webb lacks command. [MLB.com]
