Game #125: Athletics at Royals Game Thread

This past weekend, the Athletics finished the homestand on a positive note, winning two of three games against the Texas Rangers for their first series victory at Sutter Health Park since the end of May.

The A’s will look to carry that momentum into this roadtrip, which begins tonight with the first of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Both teams entered this season with playoff expectations, yet find themselves in last place in their respective mediocre divisions with two of the three worst records in the league.

A major reason behind the A’s success against the Rangers was their starting pitching, as all three starters tossed six solid innings, giving the Green and Gold the chance to win each game. Tonight, A’s right-hander Mason Barnett will start the series opener in Kansas City, looking to deliver his best outing since joining the starting rotation and give the team another quality start.

The 25-year-old enters his 18th appearance and fourth start of the season with a 1-3 record, a 6.16 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 36 strikeouts over 38 innings. After lasting five innings in his first start a few weeks ago, Barnett has failed to make it past four innings in his last two outings. Most recently, he took the loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over four innings pitched.

With the A’s not receiving an off day in between these two series, the team needs Barnett to pitch efficiently and effectively. Today would be as good a day as any for the youngster to earn his first win as a starting pitcher this year. Additionally, a quality start could help him maintain his place in the rotation. Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs will return from the injured list soon. He will likely replace either Barnett or tomorrow’s scheduled starter, Jack Perkins.

Here’s the A’s lineup for this evening’s road trip and series opener:

The A’s starting nine features several players who have been swinging the bat well lately. First baseman Jeff McNeil put together a four-hit night, while center fielder Henry Bolte recorded back-to-back three-hit games.

Right fielder Lawrence Butler is on a much-needed hot streak, homering in four of his past five games. Speaking of home runs, third baseman Tommy White finally lived up to his “Tommy Tanks” nickname by hitting his first major league home run yesterday. Zack Gelof, who will serve as the designated hitter, has been one of this season’s pleasant surprises, from his offensive prowess to his newfound defensive versatility.

Those players, along with banged-up shortstop Jacob Wilson, will need to capitalize on any scoring opportunities the A’s get today. There may not be many, as the A’s will face Royals right-hander and 2026 MLB All-Star Michael Wacha. The 35-year-old enters his 25th start of the season with a 5-8 record, a 3.46 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 117 strikeouts over 150 2/3 innings.

Wacha has gone winless over his past seven starts, although he has pitched well, posting a 3.86 ERA during that stretch. He received a no-decision in his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing three runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings.

Wacha will look to fare better after losing to the Athletics earlier this season in Sacramento. In that April outing, the veteran pitcher allowed four runs on eight hits over five innings, yet he was facing a more complete lineup than the A’s current injury-depleted group. Will the A’s offense do damage against Wacha again, or will the Royals right-hander shut them down?

And Kansas City’s’ starting nine looks like this:

The Royals still revolve around shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.,who is one of the best players in the sport. Young slugger Jac Caglianone’s emergence gives Witt protection in the lineup and adds another threat for opposing pitchers. Additionally, Kansas City’s lineup became stronger just in time for this series, as the team activated third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino from the injured list before the game.

If Barnett wants to have success tonight, he must avoid hanging breaking balls and issuing free passes. That’s what Royals hitters will be looking for, as opposing hitters have teed off on his breaking pitches, hitting five home runs and posting roughly a .545 slugging percentage.

Gotta win today and we need some help to get out of last place. Not just in our division, but in all of baseball. Time to make it two wins in a row. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics -Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast