"Hideki Matsui's 11th-inning single to right Saturday ended the longest hitless stretch of his major-league career, an 0-for-19 skid.

"Maybe a sense of relief," Matsui said through translator Roger Kahlon. Matsui said he felt as if he'd had some good at-bats, a boost for his confidence.

The A's designated hitter went 1-for-7 and struck out twice, both with men in scoring position. The second time, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia dropped the ball; had Matsui made it to first, Conor Jackson easily would have scored the go-ahead run."