Game Thread #153: A’s vs. Mariners

The postseason is pretty much out of reach for the Oakland A’s, though mathematically it’s not officially over yet. They now have less than 1% odds of grabbing a Wild Card.

But today is a good day, because Chris Bassitt is back! Less than six weeks ago he was hit in the head by a line drive that fractured his cheek, and the thought of him pitching again this year was far from everybody’s minds as he was carted to the hospital. Now he’ll make his triumphant return to the Coliseum mound after an incredible recovery.

Bassitt will face the Seattle Mariners, which has been a tough matchup for the All-Star right-hander this summer. He’s gone against them twice with shaky results both times, totaling eight runs in nine innings, including two homers by Mitch Haniger.

Oakland’s lineup will face Yusei Kikuchi, who has beaten them both times they’ve met this year. He tossed six quality innings in each start, with one run in the first game in June, and a dozen strikeouts in the second game in July. However, since the All-Star break he has a 5.82 ERA. Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Mark Canha have each homered off Kikuchi this year.

The A’s are hoping to avoid a four-game sweep after losing the last three nights.

A’s lineup (home)

1. 2B Josh Harrison (R)
2. CF Starling Marte (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. DH Yan Gomes (R)
5. LF Mark Canha (R)
6. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
7. RF Chad Pinder (R)
8. C Sean Murphy (R)
9. SS Elvis Andrus (R)

• RHP Chris Bassitt

Gomes takes the DH spot against the lefty pitcher.

Mariners lineup (away)

1. SS J.P Crawford (L)
2. 1B Ty France (R)
3. DH Kyle Seager (L)
4. RF Mitch Haniger (R)
5. CF Jarred Kelenic (L)
6. 2B Abraham Toro (S)
7. LF Jake Fraley (L)
8. 3B Dylan Moore (R)
9. C Cal Raleigh (S)

• LHP Yusei Kikuchi

Let’s go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Thursday, September 23
• 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