Game Thread #87: A’s at Astros

Back on the road! The Oakland A’s head south for an AL West showdown against the Houston Astros, with three games at Minute Maid Park.

Oakland has some work to do in this season series, as the Astros have won seven out of 10 games so far. Most of those losses came in the first couple weeks of April, but Houston also won another series in May. There are nine meetings remaining including the three this week.

The A’s begin this series with their ace on the mound. Chris Bassitt started against the Rangers his last two times out and allowed just one run total over 14 innings, and before that he posted a quality effort at Yankee Stadium. The right-hander is fifth in the American League in ERA, though he’s still waiting for a call regarding an All-Star spot as so far he’s been absurdly snubbed.

Meanwhile, in the lineup, welcome back Stephen Piscotty! He makes his first start since returning from the injured list (wrist).

A’s lineup (home)

1. CF Ramon Laureano (R)
2. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
5. LF Chad Pinder (R)
6. 2B Jed Lowrie (S)
7. C Sean Murphy (R)
8. RF Stephen Piscotty (R)
9. DH Frank Schwindel (R)

• RHP Chris Bassitt

Frank The Tank batting ninth!

Astros lineup (home)

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

• LHP Framber Valdez

How To Watch

• Date: Tuesday, July 6
• Time: 5:10 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