After splitting the first two games of the series, the Athletics and San Francisco Giants will square off this afternoon in the rubber game of this rivalry weekend showdown. Athletics’ starting pitcher Luis Severino struggled yesterday. The Giants jumped out to a 5-0 lead before holding off the A’s late comeback attempt.
As a result, the hosts would benefit from a strong performance from left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs, who will take the mound for the A’s in Sunday’s series and home stand finale.
Entering his 10th start, he owns a 3-3 record with a 4.22 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched. The 33-year-old took the loss in his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings.
Having not earned a win in a month, this matchup presents a tantalizing opportunity for Springs to rebound, pitch well and secure his fourth win of 2026. To do so, he will need to keep the ball on the ground and rack up strikeouts, as the significant wind gusts could make fly balls more unpredictable and difficult for A’s outfielders to track down.
The Athletics’ lineup shakes out like this:
Young outfielder Henry Bolte gets a breather following three straight starts and a hard collision with the wall last night. With Lawrence Butler in center field and Carlos Cortes in right field, the outfield defense is weaker, which could prove costly given the aforementioned windy conditions. Will backup catcher Jonah Heim finally collect his first hit since returning to the Athletics? To win this game, the team must obtain production from the top of its lineup, as shortstop Darell Hernáiz has recently been the only hitter among today’s bottom of the order consistently producing.
This lineup will go up against Giants’ right-hander Adrian Houser. The 33-year-old has gotten off to a rough start this season. Through his first eight starts with San Francisco, Houser is 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and 23 strikeouts over 42 innings. The veteran has been pitching better lately. He got the win in his last start, limiting the Los Angeles Dodgers to two runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings. Houser seeks to build off that momentum and make it two straight winning outings, though the A’s offense could spoil that if the team’s hitters stay patient and capitalize on mistake pitches from him and the Giants’ bullpen.
The Giants’ lineup looks like this:
Springs must be wary of second baseman Luis Arraez and designated hitter Casey Schmitt, who have each posted four-hit games in this series. Infielders Rafael Devers and Willy Adames are also starting to heat up for the Giants. The visitors also feature former A’s, Daniel Susac and Matt Chapman, batting back-to-back.
The Athletics need this win after dropping their first series of the home stand against the Cardinals. To remain in American League West contention, they cannot afford to lose a second-straight series. A win would additionally build momentum heading into the team’s upcoming Southern California road trip against the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres.
Let’s go A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
