A’s look to snap skid as they continue series in Cleveland

After another tough loss Tuesday, the Oakland Athletics will try to put an end to a six-game losing streak Wednesday when they continue a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians. Paul Blackburn will get the start for the A’s while the Guardians will go with rookie right-hander Gavin Williams, who will be making his major league debut.

The A’s watched a 2-0 lead slip away in the seventh inning Tuesday night. Cleveland walked it off in the 10th to hand Oakland its 56th loss of the season. While they don’t have anything to show for it, they have been competitive during this run of losses. Tuesday’s game was their fourth one-run loss during their current skid. They have struggled with runners in scoring position during the losing streak and were 0-for-8 and left eight men on base in Tuesday’s loss.

Blackburn had a delayed start to the season, but has been somewhat of a stabilizing force for the rotation. He allowed seven hits, three runs (two earned) and struck out a season-high nine in 5 2/3 innings in his last start against the Rays. He has allowed a total of two earned runs over his last two starts and has 14 strikeouts over his last 11 2/3 innings.

Williams is Cleveland’s first round pick from the 2021 Draft and is their No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America. He began the season at Double A where he allowed just six hits and one run over 14 1/3 innings. Williams produced a 2.93 ERA, 4.11 FIP and struck out 61 in 46 innings in nine starts after his promotion to Triple A. He has a big time fastball that has touched triple digits to go along with a curveball and a slider.

Tony Kemp had two hits in the series opener, including his second home run of the season. He has hit safely in five-straight and Tuesday was his first multi-hit game since May 5. Jace Peterson reached base twice and is hitting .308/.400/.462 with a 151 wRC+ through 15 games in June.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, June 21, 4:10 p.m. PDT

Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

TV: NBCSCA

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: A’s Cast, Bloomberg 960 AM / 103.7 HD2