If you enjoyed last night's 2-1 pitcher's duel, this one should be more of the same. It's 2010 All-Star Trevor Cahill versus 2011 All-Star Felix Hernandez.
Trevor Cahill (8-6, 3.28 ERA) has actually had a better year in 2011 than his award-winning year in 2010, but that's what happens when the regression gods decide to cash in on a whole year's worth of .236 BABIP. Cahill's batting average on balls in play in 2011 is a far more reasonable .279, which is partially why his ERA has risen. And yet, he's actually a better pitcher than he was last year, as his FIP has gone down by three tenths of a run. This boost in FIP is (thankfully) mostly attributed to a rise in strikeouts. He's still below average in K's, but only slightly. Last year, his K/9 was below average by almost two batters per nine.
Of course, Felix Hernandez (8-7, 3.35 ERA) needs no introduction, as he's been one of the best pitchers in baseball for several years. (Can you believe he's only 25?) He's the reigning Cy Young champion, and for good reason. The A's sluggers hitters batters are going to need all the breaks they can get tonight.
First pitch is at 7:05 PM.
Lineup:2B Weeks
3B Sizemore
CF Crisp
DH Matsui
1B Jackson
RF DeJesus
C Suzuki
LF Sweeney
SS Pennington
