A’s Look To Even Series Against Orioles: Game Preview
Apr 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Tommy Milone pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at O.Co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
While the Oakland Athletics are hoping to turn things around tonight against the Baltimore Orioles, that may be easier said than done against a pitcher that had their number in 2012.
Wei-Yin Chen struck out 16 Athletics in 12.2 innings while allowing only one run on nine hits in two games against Oakland in Baltimore last season, and he’ll look to improve his record to 3-0 this evening against an A’s team that is struggling to find answers to a stretch of poor play that has resulted in a 1-6 record over the last week.
Left-hander Tommy Milone will try to get back to his winning ways after his first loss of the season in his last outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. Milone has a 4.26 ERA with 21 strikeouts and five walks in four starts, and aside from Bartolo Colon, he’s been the most consistent starter for an A’s team that is facing questions regarding its rotation – a far cry from last year when their successful young pitching staff was a crucial component in a run to the playoffs.
Things snowballed Thursday night for Oakland after jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, and a lack of offense has been a constant theme in losses. The A’s were 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position last night.
Adam Rosales will get his first start of the season at shortstop tonight after re-joining the team off the disabled list yesterday and entering the game in the seventh inning as a pinch hitter. Jed Lowrie will start at second base for the first time this year as a result, and Casper Wells will also be in the starting lineup for the first time as he’ll bat eighth and play left field.
If you’re heading to the game, keep in mind that the Golden State Warriors are taking on the Denver Rockets in Game 3 of their first round playoff matchup, and there will be added traffic on BART and heading into the parking lot at O.Co Coliseum. We’ll have you covered on the outcomes of both games, so check back in when it’s all said and done to get all the details on a big night in Bay Area sports.
LINEUPS
Oakland Athletics
1. C. Crisp DH
2. C. Young CF
3. J. Reddick RF
4. J. Lowrie 2B
5. J. Donaldson 3B
6. D. Norris C
7. N. Freiman 1B
8. C. Wells LF
9. A. Rosales SS
Baltimore Orioles
1. N. Markakis RF
2. M. Machado 3B
3. A. Jones CF
4. C. Davis 1B
5. M. Wieters C
6. J. Hardy SS
7. N. Reimold LF
8. S. Pearce DH
9. A. Casilla 2B