Dallas Braden -- Perfect Game

[Giantmetfan07]

Dallas Braden definitely owns the mound now.

Braden pitched the 19th perfect game in major league history on Sunday, shutting down the majors' hottest team and leading the Oakland Athletics to a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Braden threw his arms in the air after Gabe Kapler grounded out to shortstop for the final out, his simmering feud with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez merely a footnote to the first perfect game for Oakland in 42 years.

The closest the Rays got to a hit was Jason Bartlett's liner to third leading off the game. Evan Longoria tried to bunt leading off the fifth, drawing boos from the small crowd.

"Pretty cool," Braden said. "I don't know what to think about it just yet. There's definitely a select group. I'd like to have a career more than today."

Braden (4-2) wasn't fazed by anything, locating his fastball in every spot, throwing two-strike changeups and getting quick outs against a Rays team that lost on the road for just the third time this year. He struck out six in the improbable 109-pitch performance, throwing 77 strikes in his 53rd career start and first complete game.

Braden's teammates mobbed him when the Mother's Day masterpiece was over, leaving bats and gloves scattered on the field. The left-hander pointed to the sky in honor of his single mom, Jodie Atwood, who died of skin cancer when he was a high school senior. He shared a long and tearful hug with Lindsey, who helped raise him, in front of the dugout.

"It hasn't been a joyous day for me in a while," Braden said. "With my grandma in the stands, it makes it a lot better."

Braden's perfect game was the sixth no-hitter in Oakland history. The 26-year-old Braden, a native of nearby Stockton, was a 24th-round draft pick by the A's in 2004. He improved his career record to 18-23.

didn't see it posted yet -- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300509111

 

[A.E]

Definitely a side-effect from A-Rod's being on the same mound a couple weeks back.

 

[playmaker7]

He was out there and luck was on his side...ALL of it lol

Congrats to him

 

[.GR]

He's the man.

 

[cruzg24]

Way to back up your words young man. Mamma der goes dat man!

 

[Lake Louise]

Now, as long as he doesn't pull a Buerhle, he should be fine. Otherwise, his perfect game will get lost as the season goes along. I think he will be able to keep it up though. I like this guy. He can be something special. Congrats Dallas!

 

[Gtown81]

suck it A-Rod

 

[footballplaya52]

suck it A-Rod

truth

 

[VC15]

I can't wait for him to come to the Bronx. Him and the old windbag will receive a hearty welcome. A-Rod has more important things to worry about than some career sub .500 pitcher running his mouth, things such as bringing us #28 are the important issues.