Game Thread #3: A’s vs. Astros

The Oakland A’s are not off to a good start in the 2021 season. On Thursday they couldn’t hit, finishing with just one unearned run. On Friday they scored but couldn’t pitch or defend, allowing nine runs to the Houston Astros in a second straight loss.

The search for their first win continues Saturday, with Cole Irvin on the mound. The lefty makes his A’s debut after winning the emergency fifth starter job in spring training, filling in for the injured Mike Fiers.

The lineup behind him will not include CF Ramon Laureano or C Sean Murphy, both out with minor wrist injuries.

The Astros turn to Lance McCullers, who recently signed a five-year, $85 million contract extension. The right-hander made a start against Oakland in the ALDS last October and got knocked out in the 5th inning, with five runs on his record, though Houston went on to win that game.

A’s lineup (home)

1. CF Mark Canha (R)
2. 1B Matt Olson (L)
3. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
4. DH Mitch Moreland (L)
5. LF Chad Pinder (R)
6. RF Stephen Piscotty (R)
7. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
8. 2B Tony Kemp (L)
9. C Aramis Garcia (R)

• LHP Cole Irvin

Kemp gives Lowrie a break at 2B.

Astros lineup (away)

1. 2B Jose Altuve (R)
2. LF Michael Brantley (L)
3. 3B Aledmys Diaz (R)
4. RF Kyle Tucker (L)
5. SS Carlos Correa (R)
6. DH Yordan Alvarez (L)
7. 1B Yuli Gurriel (R)
8. CF Myles Straw (R)
9. C Martin Maldonado (R)

• RHP Lance McCullers

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Friday, April 3
• Time: 1:07 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast