Game $94: A’s versus Braves Game Thread

Did the A’s save any runs for tonight?

After last night’s absolute destruction of the Atlanta Braves in the first game of the series last night, the A’s will try to make it two in a row over their NL East foes and clinch the series.

Taking the ball for the Green & Gold will be right-hander Mitch Spence. The 27-year-old has done nothing but impress since his transition to the starting rotation. In a relief role, Spence had a 4.38 ERA in 22 appearances, which isn’t terrible but not great either. Compare that to his 3.64 ERA in six starts and it’s clear which role he prefers and thrives in. He’ll try to keep up the good effort and finish off the first half with one last quality start before getting a break for a week or so. Tonight will be his first career appearances against the Braves.

The starting nine for the Athletics in Game Two against the Braves:

No surprise not seeing Jacob Wilson in the lineup tonight after he had an injury scare yesterday. Luckily his wrist injury doesn’t seem serious but the club is understandably playing it cautious with their prized rookie All-Star. Fellow rookie Max Muncy will slide over from his customary third base and handle shortstop duties while veteran Gio Urshela takes third base. The rest of the regulars are in there tonight, including second baseman Zack Gelof, who is still searching for his first hit of the season. Is tonight the night?

For the Braves, they’ll have righty Bryce Elder on the bump tonight. The four-year veteran has had a rough season up to this point, currently sporting a bloated 5.92 ERA through 14 starts. The A’s would love to make his tough season even harder tonight, but let’s see if they saved runs for tonight’s contest after yesterday’s outburst.

Atlanta’s lineup tonight:

No Sean Murphy tonight for the Braves, who will instead have rookie backstop Drake Jackson behind the plate for Elder. All the rest of the Atlanta regulars in there for the middle game, including former A’s Matt Olson, Jurickson Profar, and Nick Allen.

Let’s get this one in the bag and give ourselves a chance at a sweep tomorrow. Let’s go A’s!