We haven't beaten (them) in four years. It would be a major statement for our program to win the game.

The last thing anybody wanted to do was have to go out to Oakland and have to win. But that's what we're going to do, unfortunately.

It's an opportunity to make a statement. If we win, we have 2½ days off before our next game. We have to look at this as a good opportunity.

We have to react better to it and get a key hit and win the game that way.

I would have taken a one-for-three or a one-for-four and win the game. That's what it's about. We just didn't find a break where we could score and get a bunch of hits early against Armas. ... (The wins) are what you play for.

We had to keep it close with the distance races, basically anything we can get Dominic and Jennings in. They're our best two runners, hands down.