Game Thread #156: A’s vs. Astros

The Oakland A’s have shifted from contender to spoiler, and the new role is suiting them well. After having their postseason hopes dashed by the Mariners this past week, they’ve bounced back to beat the Houston Astros twice. Oakland will go for the sweep on Sunday, as they delay Houston’s division title as long as possible and make sure it doesn’t happen at the Coliseum this weekend.

On the mound for the A’s is Paul Blackburn. In his last start he went four innings in a loss against the Mariners, and only once in his past four appearances has he completed five frames.

The Astros turn to Jake Odorizzi. The right-hander briefly went on the injured list this month due to right foot soreness, but he was activated today. He’s pitched 22 games this year, with league-average results in 96 innings.

Oakland placed two players on the 10-day IL this morning, shortstop Elvis Andrus and 2B/DH Jed Lowrie.

A’s lineup (home)

1. SS Josh Harrison (R)
2. CF Starling Marte (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. LF Mark Canha (R)
5. RF Seth Brown (L)
6. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
7. DH Khris Davis (R)
8. 2B Tony Kemp (L)
9. C Yan Gomes (R)

• RHP Paul Blackburn

Davis gets another start at DH. Almost homered yesterday!

Astros lineup (away)

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

• RHP Jake Odorizzi

Let’s go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Sunday, September 26
• Time: 1:07 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