Game Thread #66: A's vs. Rangers

The Oakland Athletics took another gut punch last night, as a 5-0 lead over the Rangers heading into the 6th inning, evaporated in a disastrous top of the 6th, as the previously-cruising Sonny Gray imploded, allowing 5 in the set, and the Rangers tacked on 2 more vs. the bullpen to result in a 7-5 Athletics loss.

The A's hope to jump back on the saddle in the finale of the 4 game set behind the 2nd start of rookie RHP Daniel Mengden. Mengden pitched well in his MLB debut last Saturday in Cincinnati, but the A's lost the game 2-1 in what was the final loss of a 7 game losing streak.

After righting the ship for a game at the end of the road trip Sunday in Cincinnati, the A's won the home opener Monday night behind a flurry of offense and a nice start from Sean Manaea. However, Manaea exited the game with a strained pronator muscle in his forearm, which has resulted in a DL stint for the A's rookie starter.

Tuesday night's game was an "Eric Surkamp Special" which resulted in a loss and a heavy use of the bullpen. The series of frustration continued in last night's late inning stumble.

The A's face their first RHP of the series in veteran Colby Lewis, who carries a 5-0 record and 3.00 ERA into the contest. The A's will counter with a new lineup after facing 3 LHPs in the prior games of the series.

In a season that has had more than its share of challenges and frustrations, the A's look to make a cloudy Thursday afternoon a touch brighter behind the exciting 23 year old Mengden. Hope to see you all in the comments, Go A's!