Game Thread #74: A’s vs. Orioles

Greetings and Happy Monday, AN! Following yet another disappointing series loss over the weekend against the Mariners, the A’s (36-36) are back at .500, a mark that seems to be exerting some sort of Death Star tractor beam-type force on Oakland, who just haven’t been able to get enough traction to remain convincingly on the winning side of things so far this season. But opportunity knocks: The Baltimore Orioles (21-50) have arrived at the Coliseum with the worst record in baseball for a three game series. The A’s are 3-1 against the O’s this season, and a series sweep seems like a plausible outcome for the guys in green and gold. But let’s take it one game at a time, shall we?

Mike Fiers (6-3, 4.63 ERA) is making his 16th start of the season tonight for the A’s. Following a tough beginning to 2019, Fiers has been quite consistent: he hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a start since April 20. The Orioles will start Andrew Cashner (6-2, 4.73 ERA), whose win-loss record seems rather incongruous with his overall line this season. Perhaps the Orioles have been saving all of their run support for Cashner: their one win over the A’s this season came on April 8, when they outscored Oakland 12-4 with Andrew starting. Hopefully the A’s will cash in tonight to get back above .500 and set the tone for the remainder of their current homestand. Let’s go, Oakland!

Tonight’s Lineups: