Dean Chance and Eric Hiljus hooked up in this all important play in game. Neither hurler made it past 5 innings of work. Hiljus left without finishing the 5th and was charged with 4 earned runs. Chance posted 5 innings and gave up 3. With the score 4-3 Minnesota the A's got 2 quick runs in the top of the 6th to make it 5-4. Minnesota struck right back to tie it with a solo run in the bottom of the inning. The top of the 7th saw the A's score 5 huge runs. Minnesota knawed its way back with 2 in the bottom of the frame, but would get no closer. Oakland called on Izzy to close out the game. Cesar Tovar hit a shot that Jermaine Dye caught on the warning track to open the inning. Leo Cardenas doubled off the wall, but pinch hitter George Mitterwalkd popped out to Eric Chavez for the 2nd out. Bob Allison walked on 5 pitches to bring the tying run to the plate in the form of Ted Uhlaender, who kills righties. Izzy isn't just any righty and he proved it by getting Uhlaender to ground out to Frankie Menechino at 2nd for the final out and his 13th save of the season. Oakland's Eric Chavez was the game MVP and for all intents and purposes the A's season MVP. The lefty hitting 3rd baseman went 4 for 5 with 2 RBI's and a run scored. For the season he hit a cool .340 with 10 homers. By virtue of this play in game win the A's were crowned AL West Divisional Champs. Their opening week sweep of the Angels served as the tie breaker. Oakland will open up the ALDS by hosing the Bronx Bombers in a best of 5 set.
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