Game Thread #45: A’s vs. Astros

The Oakland A’s and Houston Astros split the first two contests in their three-game series at the Coliseum, and they’ll meet once more for the rubber match Thursday afternoon. The winner will finish the day in first place in the AL West, as the A’s currently lead Houston by just a half-game in the standings.

Oakland calls on Cole Irvin for the start. The lefty has been quality or close to it in all but two outings this year, but unfortunately both stinkers came against the Astros in early April. Will we see the Swirvin Irvin of recent weeks, or will another A’s pitcher get knocked around by this relentless Houston lineup?

On the position player side, catcher Sean Murphy is back in action. He exited last night’s game after taking multiple direct hits from foul balls during his catching duties behind the plate, but he doesn’t have a concussion and he’s good to go.

A’s lineup (home)

1. LF Mark Canha (R)
2. RF Seth Brown (L)
3. CF Ramon Laureano (R)
4. 1B Matt Olson (L)
5. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
6. DH Jed Lowrie (S)
7. C Sean Murphy (R)
8. 2B Tony Kemp (L)
9. SS Elvis Andrus (R)

• LHP Cole Irvin

Pinder gets a day off.

Astros lineup (away)

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

• RHP Luis Garcia

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Thursday, May 20
• Time: 12:37 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (watch): NBCS website (with cable sub)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast