This I haven't seen much of.
You know you're in Mazzaro World when Nico's Sunday staple ("the A's try to avoid the sweep") is no longer applicable. In fact, it's all backwards.
Been that kind of week, folks.
This is Oakland's third attempt with the broom, having failed to clean up against Boston in April, and versus Seattle last month. The Home Nine did enjoy a two-game sweep of Kansas City in mid-May.
Taking the mound for the A's (24-30) is the team's good luck charm, and the man responsible for this whole new universe in which we reside. Vin Mazzaro dazzled us in his first Major League start, but proved to be a rude guest in Chicago, allowing not a single runner to cross the plate in 6-1/3 innings.
Baltimore (24-32) counters with left-hander Rich Hill, who knows a thing or two about shutout ball, having tossed seven zeroes at Seattle in his previous trip to the bump. Hill gave up a pair of hits, walked three, and struck out seven.
Beautiful day for baseball. Here are the lineups:
