Game Thread #125: A's vs. Mets

Asking the Mets to pay you a visit seems like a good way to break out of a slump, and lo and behold, here they are. But wait, it gets better — they're visiting without Chris Young, who absolutely destroyed the A's when they visited Flushing in June. On a more somber note, they're also without Bartolo Colon following the passing of his mother, so condolences to the former A's pitcher on a difficult loss. The A's would have missed Colon this series anyway, which is just as well for Oakland, given that Colon also dominated his former team when given the opportunity earlier in the season.

Tonight's pitching matchup features Oakland's Scott Kazmir (2.78 ERA) opposing the Mets' Dillon Gee (3.69), which should give Oakland a decent shot at breaking out of its monthlong malaise just in time for a hugely important three-game visit from the now (gulp) American League West-leading Los Angeles Angels.

Oakland's lineup is stacked with left-handers agains the right-handed Gee, including John Jaso, Brandon Moss, Stephen Vogt, and Josh Reddick. Eric Sogard continues to man the shortstop spot in Jed Lowrie and Nick Punto's absence, while Derek Norris will slot in as one of only two right-handers (the other is Josh Donaldson) and handle the catching duties.

Yes, the A's are playing with three catchers. First pitch from the Coliseum is at 7:05pm, and the full lineups are listed below: