Game Thread #101: Athletics at Twins

Last night’s thriller was one of the A’s better wins of the season, as the A’s had a rare come from behind victory in the ninth to take a late lead, and Liam Hendriks worked out of some bad trouble in the bottom of the inning to secure the win. The win assured that the A’s won the season series, granting them home field in the playoffs should the two teams finish with the same record and meet in the postseason. In addition, the A’s have the chance to win three of four games in Minnesota, which would be quite the statement heading into Houston on Monday.

Taking the mound today for the A’s is Daniel Mengden, who has a personal win streak of four games, and tenuously led Oakland to victory the last time he faced the Twins. For the Twins it will be Michael Pineda who, after an up and down start to the season, has settled into a groove and is almost a sure bet to allow three runs or fewer.

First pitch is at 11:10. Another important game in Texas vs Houston is beginning at the same time. Another important game in Cleveland vs Kansas City is already underway.

Lineups are posted below.