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Game Thread #97: Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays

In case you haven't noticed--and judging by the attendance you haven't--the A's have managed to win a few here and there, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar (well in any game that Sonny Gray does not pitch) - Major League (modified)

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Good evening an a Happy Friday to you! I'm broadcasting live from my couch, where it is currently 77 degrees, a welcome change from the over 100 degrees outside. I will be doing nothing except recapping A's baseball for you tonight and also tomorrow night, so this better be good!

The A's played two thrillers in the last seven; one last Friday night that I had the pleasure (really!) of attending live, and a walk-off job on Tuesday night that left the crowd buzzing. The also managed to win their last few series, and aren't out of the cellar yet, but only because the Angels are also playing well. And all of this despite major-league low batting average of .230 for the month of July. Yay! We win things!

Tonight's contest will feature Sean Manaea in a real start this time, not the one where he was literally the only arm in the bullpen who could pitch in after an injury five pitches into the game. He will be facing off against Jake Odorizzi, coming off a strong start.

The A's would like to take this one to even the series, and notch another win as they try to win their third (BUT SHOULD BE FOURTH) series in a row. Still bitter at the two blown saves, why do you ask?

Here are your lineups:

Today's Lineups

TAMPA BAY RAYS OAKLAND A'S
Logan Forsythe - 2B Coco Crisp - LF
Brandon Guyer - LF Josh Reddick - RF
Evan Longoria - 3B Khris Davis - DH
Steve Pearce - 1B Stephen Vogt - C
Steven Souza - RF Jed Lowrie - 2B
Corey Dickerson - DH Jake Smolinski - CF
Tim Beckham - SS Yonder Alonso - 1B
Kevin Kiermaier - CF Ryon Healy - 3B
Luke Maile - C Arismendy Alcantara - SS
Jake Odorizzi - RHP Sean Manaea - LHP

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!