A series split looks a lot better than losing 3⁄4
Now on game seven of a ten-game east coast road trip, the A’s will wrap up their four-game stand with the New York Yankees today looking to earn a series split.
Taking the ball for the A’s is Alex Wood. Not much can be said about Wood that hasn’t already been ranted in a comment section, but the lefty hasn’t been good this season and could be on the brink of a relief demotion. Perhaps the only silver lining: he’s yet to face the Yankees in his 12-year career. He’s pitched against all 29 other clubs.
As for the A’s offensively, it’s time to step up. The group hasn’t scored over three runs since April 17 while combining for 15 runs in six games during that frame. Say what you want about Wood, if he gets that kind of run support today his room for error deteriorates to practically none.
Here’s the lineup Mark Kotsay will roll out today against fellow lefty Nestor Cortes:
Tonight’s lineup pic.twitter.com/RQR9RaLaDO
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) April 25, 2024
After a slow first two starts, Cortes has been nails in his three outings since. He’s went 19 innings allowing just four runs in those starts while striking out 21. He’s yet to allow a run in two starts and 15 innings at Yankee Stadium this season.
Below is the lineup Aaron Boone will counter with. Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton have both hit a pair of home runs in their career against Wood. The two have faced Wood 17 and 25 times, respectively. Anthony Rizzo also has 14 career at-bats.
Nasty Nestor Night. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/BPhAX9FryB
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 25, 2024
A series split looks and feels a whole lot better than losing 3⁄4 — especially against one of the best teams in baseball in their own house. Crazier things have definitely happened.
See you soon, A’s nation!