This afternoon, the Athletics and New York Yankees will match-up in the rubber-game of their three-game series at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park.
In the wake of dropping the series-opener 8-2, the A’s rebounded last night, evening up the series with a 6-4 victory. Home runs from left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, catcher Shea Langeliers and first baseman Nick Kurtz gave the hosts a 6-1 lead. It looked like the A’s would coast to the finish line, but the Yankees rallied for three runs in the ninth as A’s relievers Jack Perkins and Scott Barlow combined to walk five batters. Barlow replaced Perkins with the bases loaded and two outs. He proceeded to walk three straight batters before finally getting the final out. According to Associated Press writer Josh Dubow, Barlow became the first pitcher to get a save after walking three out of four batters faced in an outing.
Seeking the series win, left-hander Jacob Lopez will start for the A’s. The 28-year-old enters his 12th appearance and 10th start of the season with a 4-2 record, a 5.73 ERA, and 35 strikeouts in 48.2 innings pitched. Lopez will pitch from the outset today, a contrast to his last appearance when he followed opener Luis Medina. In that outing, he earned the win after holding the San Diego Padres to one run on six hits over 4 2/3 innings.
Lopez has struggled with his command at times this season, as reflected in his 1.77 WHIP. However, he walked just one batter against San Diego, a positive step that must continue this afternoon, especially after A’s pitchers recorded more walks than strikeouts last night. If Lopez’s command wavers and leads to free passes or mistake pitches that are driven for extra-base hits, the Athletics could find themselves in serious trouble and facing a third consecutive series loss.
The A’s lineup:
Left-handed-hitting outfielders Carlos Cortes and Lawrence Butler replace right-handed hitters Henry Bolte and Colby Thomas in the A’s starting nine. Additionally, backup catcher Jonah Heim will start behind the plate in the series-finale while Langeliers gets the day off.
With Soderstrom showing signs of heating up, the Athletics will need slumping hitters Butler, designated hitter Brent Rooker and second baseman Jeff McNeil to provide more offensive production as the calendar turns to June.
The A’s offense will face Yankees’ right-hander Will Warren, who has emerged as one of New York’s most reliable starters this season. The 26-year-old enters his 12th start with a 6-1 record, a 3.55 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 65 strikeouts across 58.1 innings. Warren received a no-decision when he faced the A’s at Yankee stadium in April, limiting the team to two runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings. The A’s offense will look to make a bigger impact against the talented right-hander as the team vies for its second straight win.
The Yankees meanwhile have this lineup set for today:
New York’s lineup becomes considerably less imposing after its fearsome foursome. Further down the order, former A’s infielder Max Schuemann gets the start at second base in place of Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made the final out in yesterday’s game.
Should be a good one. Let’s go A’s!
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Athletics – NBCSCA