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After ending slide, Athletics go for back-to-back wins

Aug 9, 2008 - 10:12 AM Oakland (54-61) at Detroit (56-59) 7:05 p.m. EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- After snapping their longest single-season losing streak in 14 years, the Oakland Athletics look to make it two victories in a row on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.

The Athletics entered Friday's series opener having dropped their last 10 games. The slide was the longest since dropping 12 straight in 1994. The Athletics also endured a 12-game losing streak from the end of the 1995 season into the start of the 1996 season.

Dallas Braden helped the A's end their futility, allowing only two runs on a homer by Marcus Thames in the second inning en route to a 4-2 victory. Braden surrendered five hits in seven innings, improving to 2-2 over his last four starts after taking Rich Harden's spot in the rotation following the former ace's trade to the Chicago Cubs.

Dan Meyer tries to duplicate Braden's performance when he makes his first start in nearly a year for Oakland. Meyer, who posted an 0-2 record and 11.12 ERA in three starts for Athletics in 2007, has pitched five scoreless innings of relief since being recalled from the minors on August 3. He takes the place of Sean Gallagher, who had his start pushed back after experiencing irritation in his throwing elbow.

Armando Galarraga (9-4, 3.23) goes for his third win in four starts when he counters for the Tigers.