truebluefan

Oakland pitcher Esteban Loaiza seemed just about invincible coming into Saturday's game against the Devil Rays at Tropicana Field.

His scoreless innings streak was measurable in weeks, rather than merely innings. His ERA since Aug. 1 made a mockery of opposing batters.

And early Saturday, he resembled every bit the 21-game winner he was with the White Sox just three years ago. Five of the first eight Rays batters struck out before No. 9 hitter Ben Zobrist grounded a single up the middle for Tampa Bay's first hit.

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