Game Thread #75: Athletics vs Orioles

After two early runs against them yesterday, the Athletics managed to jump into the lead and hold off the O’s to start this series strongly. The Orioles have continued along their expected trajectory this season, currently on pace to have the most home runs allowed by any team ever and stuck at 21 wins for the last six games. Today they send out Gabriel Ynoa. Moving from the bullpen to the beleaguered Oriole rotation, Ynoa has yet to give up more than 3 runs in any of his 4 previous starts, but he also has only pitched through 6 innings once so far, making an extended appearance for the O’s bullpen likely.

For the Athletics, Brett Anderson is coming off of an incredibly strong start last Wednesday, holding the Rays to 6 scoreless innings, and two earned runs at the very end of his appearance. If Brett can pull out another start like the one he did last week things should be smooth sailing for the A’s, especially considering the state of the Orioles as we approach the season’s halfway mark.

Lineups:

Lineup Notes:

• Ramón Laureano is batting 5th for the second game in a row.
• Beau Taylor is catching again, look to see much more of Beau as Nick Hundley had leg surgery today, putting him out for around six weeks, and Chris Hermann is out on his rehab assignment.

Last night’s game was played in 2 hours and 32 minutes, look for another quick one tonight as Brett Anderson is notorious for his pitching efficiency. Hopefully the Athletics will take advantage tonight and continue rising up from .500 to catch up to the Astros.

Go A’s!