Angels Can’t Rock the Roll of the A’s

Angel center fielder Darin Erstad doesn’t have to look at the scoreboard or the standings to know that playoff-bound Oakland is on an amazing roll, one that continued with the Athletics’ 6-2 victory over the Angels before 17,167 in Network Associates Coliseum on Thursday.

“You can see it in their body language; that’s a confident group,” Erstad said after the A’s won for the 22nd time in 24 games and the Angels lost for the 11th time in 12 games. “We had that feeling for one road trip [when the Angels won five of seven in Boston and New York from July 31-Aug. 6]. We had a heck of a time trying to keep it. But that’s what drives you in this game, coming to the park knowing you’re going to win every day. Not believing. Knowing.”

The A’s know. Or do they?

Jason Giambi, whose two-run home run off starter Matt Wise in the sixth sparked a four-run inning and nudged the Oakland first baseman closer to a possible American League most valuable player award, thinks amnesia may have played a part in the A’s recent run.

“I don’t think these young kids know how many wins we’ve reeled off,” said Giambi, who is batting .339 with 35 home runs, 43 doubles, 111 runs batted in and a .475 on-base percentage. “Ignorance is bliss. Every day is a new day with these guys, and that showed back when were 8-18 and didn’t throw the season in the toilet.”

Cory Lidle (12-6) threw a five-hitter for the A’s Thursday. Third baseman Eric Chavez had two hits and two RBIs. Miguel Tejada and Ramon Hernandez each had RBI singles in the sixth.

“What’s amazing is we clinched [a wild-card spot Sunday] and still kept the ball rolling,” Giambi said. “It’s nice to see guys are hungry at the plate and on the mound. Last year everyone sat back and said Jason will get the big hit. This year, they think they’re going to get the big hit. It’s been fun to watch.”