Athletics' left-hander Gio Gonzalez threw only nine first-pitch strikes, struggled with his control and worked with runners on base in almost every inning. Earning his 14th win of the season sure didn't come easily for Gonzalez. Then again, not much has this season. Not for A's or their All-Star left-hander. "Maybe he didn't have his best stuff and he got behind hitters but he made pitches when he had to," manager Bob Melvin said following Oakland's 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. "I'm surprised he got us through seven, but that's what good pitchers do. They make it work even without their best stuff."
