Dan Haren, whom the Cardinals traded to get Mark Mulder, won his eighth consecutive decision and continues to lead the majors with his 1.64 ERA.
Haren (8-2) has not lost since April 7, and has not allowed more than two earned runs in a start since April 13. The right-hander, pitching against his former team for the first time, allowed three runs -- two earned -- and six hits over seven innings. He walked three and struck out eight.
"Because it was my former team I was a little more amped up," Haren said. "It was a little more emotional than usual. Jason (Kendall) came out to talk to me in the third inning and basically wanted me to slow everything down."
Haren faced two over the minimum during his final five innings, helped by a pair of double plays.
"Everybody likes to do well against their former teams," A's manager Bob Geren said. "They got to him early but he made some adjustments. It was nice to see everybody getting it done."
Very bad day when Scott Spiezio pitches the ninth and does better than any of your "pitchers".
