Game Thread #4: A’s vs. Astros

The Oakland A’s lost their first three games of the 2021 season, but they’ve got one more chance to avoid an opening sweep at the hands of the AL West division rival Houston Astros.

The two teams play their series finale Sunday at the Coliseum, though they’ll meet again next week for three more at Minute Maid Park.

Oakland turns to Sean Manaea for the start. The lefty is making his season debut, after showing an uptick in velocity during spring training.

Houston calls on right-hander Jose Urquidy, who last faced the A’s in the ALDS in October. His start was the only game the Astros lost in that postseason series, as Oakland knocked him out in the 5th inning and put four runs on his record, including homers by Mark Canha and Matt Olson. Urquidy did toss a quality six-inning start against the A’s in the 2020 regular season, albeit in another losing effort.

A’s lineup (home)

1. CF Mark Canha (R)
2. 1B Matt Olson (L)
3. 2B Jed Lowrie (S)
4. DH Mitch Moreland (L)
5. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
6. RF Chad Pinder (R)
7. LF Ka’ai Tom (L)
8. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
9. C Aramis Garcia (R)

• LHP Sean Manaea

Tom gets his second start of the year.

Astros lineup (away)

1. 2B Jose Altuve (R)
2. RF Kyle Tucker (L)
3. 3B Alex Bregman (R)
4. DH Yordan Alvarez (L)
5. 1B Yuli Gurriel (R)
6. SS Carlos Correa (R)
7. CF Myles Straw (R)
8. C Jason Castro (L)
9. LF Chas McCormick (R)

• RHP Jose Urquidy

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Sunday, April 4
• Time: 1:07 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast