Looking for a final win to wrap up August
The dog days of August are almost over. The A’s take on the Rangers in an intra-division battle on the last day of the month after Oakland took game one last night, looking to make it two straight over their Texas rivals.
The club will turn to rookie righty Joey Estes for the start tonight. But in a way he’s not really a rookie anymore, is he? This’ll be his 19th start of the 2024 season and we’ve seen tremendous growth from Estes. While his season ERA stands at a respectable 4.37 mark, he’s really been on a roll here down the stretch. Over his past seven games he has thrown 38 innings while allowing just 12 runs, good for a 2.84 ERA for you at home. His last start saw him pitch into the sixth inning against the NL Central-leading and playoff-bound Brewers while allowing just a pair of runs. Texas hasn’t played up to their standards from last season but they still have dangerous hitters in their lineup like Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and old friend Marcus Semien. If Estes is careful with them tonight we should see positive results from our prized right-hander.
Here is how Oakland is planning on lining up today:
Saturday starters pic.twitter.com/m3ebkwTKLT
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) August 31, 2024
Only two changes in today’s lineup compared to yesterday’s, and it’s mainly on account of the handedness of the opposing pitcher. With Texas going with a lefty on the mound today it’ll be right-hander Tyler Nevin at first base today, taking over for the hot-hitting Seth Brown in favor of matchups. In addition Max Shuemann will get the day off after going 0-for-3 with 2 K’s yesterday, yielding the hot corner to fellow rookie Armando Alvarez. Other than those two changes it’s the same lineup as yesterday’s, and why change after putting up nine runs?
That order will be going against Texas left-hander Cody Bradford, who will be making just his ninth start for the Rangers this year. He’s been solid in his limited appearances so far, posting a 3.25 ERA since rejoining the Texas rotation at the beginning of August. The A’s would do well to knock him off his game and get him out of there early. The sooner the better since the Texas bullpen isn’t exactly frightening to say the least.
How the Rangers will be lining up in game two:
Saturday starters. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/QcNb0X6l2V
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 31, 2024
Let’s go A’s! Win today and we get another crack at a sweep.