After a day off at home in Sacramento the A’s should be rested up and ready for another series win. Spoiler hats on people. Our division rivals, the Seattle Mariners, are fighting to remain relevant in the playoff race but are seeing their hopes fade fast. They sit in third place in the AL West six games back of the first-place Astros. And in the Wild Card race it’s not much better as they’re 5 1/2 games back of the third and final playoff spot with five teams ahead of them. A sweep at the hands
of the A’s would all but end their season. That sounds like some good motivation for the cobbled together home team.
The A’s will have veteran Jeffrey Springs getting the start in this one. His overall year with the Athletics has left a lot to be desired and both he and the team will go their separate directions this offseason. Still, it’d be nice to see his tenure end on a high note. He’s coming off one of his best starts of the season his last time out when he tossed seven shutout frames in Seattle against these very same Mariners. The left-hander only allowed two hits and twqo walks and will be hoping for more of the same tonight against a division rival. He’s in Sutter Health Park though, and the flyball pitcher has made it known his disdain for the Athletics’ temporary home. If he can keep the ball in the park he’ll be fine.
Here’s the Athletics’ starting lineup for the series opener tonight:
The typical top half of the lineup with Bolte leading things off followed by McNeil, Gelof and Butler. The hot-hitting Max Muncy rises to fifth in the order and he’ll DH in this one. Veteran journeyman Donovan Walton backs sixth and is manning shortstop while rookie Tommy White is in the lineup playing first base. Carlos Cortes will handle left field while Jonah Heim is batting ninth and catching Springs in this one.
Seattle will be countering Springs with right-hander George Kirby. Kirby has been steady if unspectacular for the Mariners all season long, making 27 starts and not missing a turn through the rotation. Sure, his 4.18 ERA isn’t all that impressive but he’s been a valuable member of their starting rotation. He’ll be looking for some revenge tonight against the A’s after taking the loss last time out. That’ll be a tough task for Kirby as he’s struggled mightily on the road this season.
And the Mariners’ batting order this evening looks like this:
Do I hear two in a row? Sounds like a great way to start our weekend A’s fans. Let’s go A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast
