Game Thread #135: A's vs. Rays

Tonight, the A's will finally face a pitcher who doesn't have a Cy Young pedigree. That said, Alex Cobb is no stranger to them. In 4 career starts, Cobb has allowed his share of hits, but come out on top generally. He's 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA, but the A's have hit him to the tune of an OPS+ against him of 110. Cobb has a classic Rays arsenal, throwing a two and four-seam fastball, curve, and nasty change when he is on.

He will be opposed by Sonny Gray. Gray had his first taste of true MLB struggles in his last outing. Facing only 20 batters over 3.1 innings, he allowed 8 hits, 6 runs, and walks, while only striking out 3. On the plus side, he only threw 67 pitches in that outing, meaning he should be well-rested for his third home start. The Rays are a patient team, so he will have to have good control to be successful today.

Here are the lineups. Sogard and Vogt return.

Green Day Fireworks tonight, so it should be a sellout. Here's hoping the Kerplunks fall the A's way, and the Rays play like American Idiots.