Game #31 Thread: Athletics at Red Sox

One team will be vindicated this evening in Fenway park and the odds on favorites are the A’s according to the Vegas odds! Both Oakland and Boston were swept this weekend and are seeking to change their status with this game. While the A’s were clearly headed for victory in the 11th inning last night against the Blue Jays, Blake Treinen gave up a three-run lead in the 11th that eventually led to the sweep. The Athletics were poised and a rare mishap from Treinen derailed this. Not so for Boston whose lacking offense left them hanging out to dry against the Rays on Sunday to complete their weekend of being swept. So, both teams are yearning for this win for similar reasons.

In the middle of a nine-game road trip and a 14-16 win-loss record, Frankie Montas will be toeing the rubber. He seeks his fifth win of the season as he sits on a 3.10 earned run average (ERA) and 26 total strikeouts. Eduardo Rodriguez will challenge Montas, coming off a strong previous three starts—the last of which Rodriguez went six innings and gave up just 2 hits while striking out seven. Against Oakland, Rodriguez is 2-2 with a 3.82 ERA.

Montas has not faced Boston often, only two career appearances, pitching three and two-thirds innings and giving up 3 hits while striking out 6 and walking only one. Missing tonight will be Dustin Pedroia, still on injured reserve; J.D. Martinez (current batting average: .340) who has been experiencing back spasms and listed as day-to-day is starting at DH but may not last the entire game.

Montas will face Red Sox rookie Michael Chavis. Chavis went 2-4 yesterday with a homerun. Long-ball bats to beware of include Mitch Moreland (7) and Mookie Betts (5). Best average: Rafael Devers (.287), Andrew Benintendi (.280) and Xander Bogaerts (.273).

For the Athletics, Semien continues to be hot, racking up a .316 ERA with 8 doubles, 4 home runs and 16 RBIs. Pinder is also on an offensive roll, batting .318 in the last seven days and .301 to-date in 25 games played. And with Pinder usually comes Piscotty’s name as he tops the charts batting .348 in the last seven days and .265 overall. Home runs in the last seven days have included Chapman (2), Piscotty (1), Grossman (1) and Semien (1). Khris Davis’ bat has been cold all around.

In other notes, Kendrys Morales will be playing first tonight. Canha’s wrist pain was serious and he has been put on the injured reserve. Since Pinder has the ability to platoon into first base, the Athletics have chosen to bring Ryan Buchter is back.

Game time 4:10 PST. Here are the starting lineups for this evening: