First it was win a few more to guarantee a wild card. Then it was sweep the Rangers for the AL West. Now the A's once again, have to go big or go home. Losing the first two games in Detroit, they have to sweep the Tigers out of Oakland if they're looking to continue this dream season and advance to the American League Championship Series. But having heard it all season, Bob Melvin's motto has been to take it "one game at a time" and it will be no different tonight.
With a sold-out crowd expected, Brett Anderson will take the mound for Oakland as he makes his first start since exiting in the third inning on September 19th in a start against the Tigers. Anderson has gone 4-2 this year with a 2.57 earned run average in his six starts. Anderson has stated that he's ready to pitch a pivotal game three and Melvin has total confidence that his lefty will be able to give the team a solid outing.
Facing the third consecutive right-handed pitcher, the A's will try to halt Anibal Sanchez, who has never before pitched at O.Co Coliseum. Sanchez has had a solid season for the Tigers, who acquired him at the trade deadline. He has pitched to a 4-6 record with a 3.74 earned run average. Sanchez made one start against the A's this season on September 20th pitching 5.2 innings and giving up 6 runs on 6 hits with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks. Hopefully the A's will be able to do something similar tonight and also take advantage of the Tigers 38 - 43 record when playing away. That made the Tigers the only division winner in baseball to not have a winning record on the road.
Get ready A's fans. The season is on the line tonight!
Lineups:
Tigers