Game Thread #68: Oakland Athletics vs San Diego Padres

My apologies for the hiatus; I'm very excited to be back hosting threads and writing recaps once more! My 'welcome back' present? I get to struggle to type the name "Odrisamer Despaigne" over and over and over again. Oh, joy.

Speaking of Despaigne, he hasn't quite been able to replicate his rookie success from 2014 (3.36 ERA, 3.74 FIP). Instead, the 28 year-old Cuban has seemed to regress a bit as the league has seen him more. So far, he is 3-4 in 12 games (nine starts) with a 4.38 ERA (and an uglier 4.60 FIP). That means, don't be surprised when he shuts out an A's offense somewhat surprisingly ranked 7th in runs scored. I kid, I kid. But let's take a look at that offense, shall we?

The A's have returned from a successful 3-2 road trip, despite losing a series to the rival Angels to kick it off. Having bashed Tyson Ross and San Diego to the tune of nine runs on Monday, the A's scratched their way to a late 6-5 victory on Tuesday. Ben Zobrist led the way, going 6 for 18 (.333) with four walks, two doubles, and a homer on the road trip. Stephen Vogt showed signs of snapping out of his funk with a late grand slam on Monday, and Josh Reddick knocked in four runs, including two on a clutch homer that the A's bullpen (namely Evan Scribner) wasted on Friday night. These three batters will comprise the middle of the order once more tonight.

Jesse Chavez will look for a victory this time out, as his great pitching has come unrewarded. Chavez has posted a 2.70 ERA over his past six starts, yet has only one win in that span. Jesse has become a great example of why the win is an outdated, overused stat. Regardless, it's time to get him that W.

It's Pride Night! Sean Doolittle and his girlfriend Eireann Dolan have worked very hard to fill the stadium to support LGBT youth, and now it's time for the A's to repay their efforts with a well-played ball game and a win for the good guys. First pitch is at 7:05. Let's go, Oakland!