Game Thread #88: A’s at Astros

Let’s try this again.

The Oakland A’s have lost eight of their 11 meetings with the Houston Astros this year, which is a problem because the Astros hold a 4.5-game lead in the AL West division and these head-to-head losses are the primary reason why. Gonna have to beat Houston eventually.

The A’s will make their latest attempt behind Sean Manaea, as the lefty looks to show the world why he should have made the All-Star team. He was named AL Pitcher of the Month for June, though he followed it up with a shaky outing against the Rangers to open July. He’s faced the Astros three times this season and been quality twice (total of 16⅔ innings, nine runs).

Oakland’s lineup is without third baseman Matt Chapman, who is dealing with a stomach flu, reports Shayna Rubin of the Mercury News. Third base will be covered by Chad Pinder today instead.

A’s lineup (away)

1. 2B Tony Kemp (L)
2. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. CF Ramon Laureano (R)
5. DH Jed Lowrie (S)
6. C Aramis Garcia (R)
7. RF Stephen Piscotty (R)
8. LF Seth Brown (L)
9. 3B Chad Pinder (R)

• LHP Sean Manaea

Kemp and Andrus at the top!

Astros lineup (home)

1. 2B Jose Altuve (R)
2. LF Michael Brantley (L)
3. 1B Yuli Gurriel (R)
4. DH 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)

• RHP Luis Garcia

How To Watch

• Date: Wednesday, July 7
• 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