Game Thread #6: Athletics vs Angels

The A’s have a chance to win the series versus the Angels and bring their record up to a respectable 3-3 on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Opposed to the expectations coming into the year, the A’s starting pitching has been the reason for winning two of the first three games of the series, while the bullpen has been less-than-reliable. Hoping to continue to the trend of strong starts is Frankie Montas, who will be making his first start of the year. Equipped with a brand new split-fingered fastball, Montas will be seeking to take a significant leap forward this season to try and reach the potential his scouting report proclaimed. Montas has always struggled to put batters away, with strikeout numbers much lower than his velocity would generally suggest, but perhaps a new pitch can be the difference maker.

Mark Canha, fresh off a statement-making home run last night, will be getting the start at first base today, facing left-handed starter Tyler Skaggs. Ramon Laureano will once again take the field in center, aiming to reverse his poor luck at the plate.

First pitch is at 1:05. Lineups are below.