Winning Ways Continue for A’s

The only thing missing from the Oakland Athletics’ 17th consecutive victory was a win for Cory Lidle.

Lidle’s masterful month came to an end Saturday when he gave up his first earned run in August on the month’s final day, but the A’s got enough late offense to defeat the Minnesota Twins, 6-3, and extend the majors’ longest winning streak in 49 years.

Eric Chavez hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning and finished with four RBIs for the A’s, who have the longest winning streak since the 1953 New York Yankees won 18 in a row. Oakland’s 17 consecutive wins matched a franchise record set by the 1931 Philadelphia A’s.

“It’s unbelievable,” Lidle said. “I don’t care if you’re an All-Star team, if someone says you’re going to win 17 in a row you don’t believe it.”

One might have had a hard time imagining a pitcher going 43 innings without an earned run, too.

That’s what Lidle did, but another solid start was wasted. Lidle left with one out in the eighth carrying a 3-1 lead.

It only slightly dampened the accomplishment.

“Just enjoy the ride,” Manager Art Howe said of the streak. “These guys find a way to win every night. Cory Lidle was the story tonight and the only drawback to the win was that he didn’t get the win.”

Minnesota’s Dustan Mohr hit a pinch-hit home run in the eighth and Torii Hunter tied the game with a run-scoring single off Jim Mecir later in the inning.

Chavez, who homered in the seventh and had three hits, came up with the bases loaded after Minnesota reliever J.C. Romero (8-2) intentionally walked Miguel Tejada.

Chavez shattered his bat on Romero’s first pitch, but the ball got past Luis Rivas into center field, scoring two runs.

Billy Koch worked the ninth for his career-high 37th save in 42 opportunities. Koch’s 11 saves in August set an Oakland record.