Game Thread #126: Athletics vs Indians

With Andrew Triggs suddenly becoming the strongest run-preventer on the pitching staff and bouts of fisticuffs erupting in the clubhouse, these A's, for better or worse, are full of some bizarre surprises during these long, grinding, August days. Last night proved that, even against some incredibly dominant pitching, the A's are still capable of playing competitive baseball against the best teams in the American League, despite the fact that questionable umpiring would cost the A's a chance to take a late inning lead and would alter the entire outcome of the game. With the help of unexpected heroes, the A's could still play some fun and meaningful baseball in August and September by taking on the role of spoiler.

Sean Manaea has been getting stronger and stronger as the season has progressed to this point, and after a rocky start has become one of the few bright spots on the current roster. Tonight, Manaea will have to be his best self against an average Cleveland lineup as he is going up against tough competition in Danny Salazar. With lots of young and inexperienced players on the diamond and lots of players playing out of position or at sub-optimal positions, Manaea may have to miss more bats in order to succeed tonight, as the defense behind him likely won't be all too strong tonight.

Lineups are below. First pitch is just past 7.