Huston

Street

''It’s awesome,’' catcher John Baker said. ''If Huston keeps throwing it like this, he’ll be using it all the time.’' Street is likely to work on perfecting the pitch in the minors. He’s about ready now, but there probably won’t be room for him in the Oakland pen.

Street had received a couple of days off and the A’s don’t play tomorrow, so the decision was made to bring him in to start the eighth with Vladimir Guerrero up. The strategy worked brilliantly, and Street notched his 23rd save in 30 chances.

The game ended on a batter’s interference call. Hank Blalock singled in two runs with one out and was removed for pinch-runner Jerry Hairston Jr. Mark DeRosa went on to swing and miss at strike three and then got in the way of Jason Kendall with Hairston attempting to take second. The correct call was made, though Buck Showalter came out to argue, and the A’s won their sixth straight game.

After seeing Randy Keisler and Kiko Calero blow a one-run lead in the seventh, manager Ken Macha figured he couldn’t afford to wait until the ninth to bring in his closer. Street struck out four while throwing 25 pitches. He didn’t pitch Friday, so it’s possible that he’ll be available for an inning on Sunday.

Street would have gotten Monday off had the A’s played. He’s the first A’s reliever to save five straight games since Billy Koch did it from June 16-21, 2002.

If Justin Duchscherer had been healthy, it’s a good bet than Street would have had the day off. As is, the A’s just couldn’t afford not to use him with a one-run lead in the ninth. Street has allowed two hits over 8 1/3 scoreless innings in his last seven appearances. Fortunately for him, the A’s are off Monday.

Three singles, the first two coming on pitches that were pretty close to where he wanted them. Street has a 5.00 ERA this season, but he’s not pitching badly right now. He’s given up 11 hits, walked none and struck out 10 in 12 1/3 innings this month.

“He’s not available to pitch today and probably not for a couple of days at least,” A’s manager Ken Macha said. “We’re going to take another day to try to find what is exactly going on there. It will be a lot clearer tomorrow.” Manager Ken Macha didn’t commit to making Justin Duchscherer the closer during Street’s absence. Kiko Calero might also be a candidate for save chances.

“He just got more sore as time went on,” trainer Larry Davis said. “He felt it earlier (in the eighth inning) and he kept on pitching.” Street will be reevaluated on Saturday. If he’s going to need a week or two off, Justin Duchscherer will step into the closer’s role.

There was no obvious indication that there was anything wrong with him, but the trainer came out for a visit and he was removed from the game. Justin Duchscherer would be the favorite for saves if Street is going to miss some time.