Game Thread #135: Mariners at A’s

After a heartbreaking loss, actually, more like a heartbreaking series — mostly at the hands of Tyler White (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?)?! — the A’s will play in yet another important series beginning today against another division rival and postseason candidate, the Seattle Mariners.

The A’s are now home from their most recent road trip having technically won it, winning six of their last 10 games with their only series loss coming at the hands of the Astros, leaving them two and a half games back in the race to win the AL West. However, there’s a lot of time left before game 162. We all know from experience that means that there are plenty of possible outcomes to the season, and the A’s still have a chance to take the division.

With a comfortable five and a half game lead over Seattle in the Wild Card race they A’s will just need to continue to win series — taking either two of three or three of four — to keep that Wild Card lead. However, the Mariners have been on a bit of a losing streak, having lost their last three games, one to the Arizona Diamonbacks and two to the San Diego Padres. That doesn’t bode all that well for the M’s as the DBacks have been in a major offensive slump and the Padres record is just 52-83. Still, the A’s need to keep in mind that their opponents will be extremely hungry for a win.

The A’s will have Frankie Montas back on the mound tonight against Seattle left-hander Wade LeBlanc. Montas is 5-3 in 10 starts for the A’s this season with a 3.75 ERA. LeBlanc has appeared in 26 games for the Mariners, 21 of which were starts. He is currently 7-3 with a 3.92 ERA.

Here are today’s lineups:

Oakland Athletics:

1. M Semien (R) SS
2. M Chapman (R) 3B
3. J Lowrie (S) 2B
4. K Davis (R) DH
5. S Piscotty (R) RF
6. M Olson (L) 1B
7. M Canha (R) LF
8. R Laureano (R) CF
9. J Lucroy (R) C

Seattle Mariners:

1. M Haniger (R) CF
2. D Span (L) LF
3. R Canó (L) 2B
4. N Cruz (R) DH
5. K Seager (L) 3B
6. Ryon Healy (R) 1B**
7. B Gamel (L) RF
8. M Zunino (R) C
9. D Gordon (L) SS

Let’s do this! As we start down the stretch it’s going to be a battle for both the postseason and the AL West, so let’s show them how the West will be won! Go A’s!!

**Last minute lineup change for the Mariners: Jean Segura has been scratched from playing shortstop and batting third. Instead, our old friend Ryon Healy will be at first base and bat in the sixth position, Robinson Cano will be moving from first to second base and bat in the third spot and Dee Gordon will still be batting in the ninth position but will now be moving from second base to shortstop. The cause for scratching Segura was not noted on the pregame show. I have fixed the above lineup accordingly.