Game #114: A’s vs. Diamondbacks Game Thread

Going for the series victory in the finals

The A’s are prepared to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the series finale, with both teams vying for a series win after splitting the first two contests of this weekend series. Time to wrap up the home stand with a win before hitting the road this week.

Rookie Jack Perkins will get the ball this afternoon in the finale, his first career starting assignment. The intriguing and lively arm had performed well in his eight relief appearances so far, tossing 19 ²⁄₃ frames with a solid 2.75 ERA to show for it. He’s also punched out 19 batters compared to just seven free passes. His longest outing with the A’s so far has been 3 ¹⁄₃ innings but he should be able to go five full frames if he can be economical with his pitch count. Let’s hope the nerves of his first start don’t get to the rookie right-hander.

Here’s how the starting nine looks for this afternoon’s finale against the Diamondbacks:

Lots of backups in there today. Max Schuemann is leading things off for the A’s and manning third base today. And Brent Rooker will grab his glove and head out to right field while Shea Langeliers gets a half-day off and will be the DH for the finale. That means Austin Wynns is behind the plate catching Perkins for his first start. Rookie outfielder and one of the top prospects in the organization Colby Thomas draws the start in center field while fellow outfielder JJ Bleday gets his first start since rejoining the team a few days ago. A fun mix of rookies and veterans in the lineup for the finale.

That new lineup will be going up against Arizona starting pitching Eduardo Rodriguez. The 10-year veteran has struggled to a bloated 5.64 ERA through 18 starts this year, one of multiple arms that let the Snakes down this year. The A’s need to take advantage of the struggling 32-year-old.

Here is the lineup that Perkins will be facing for his first career start:

Both teams are out of the postseason hunt but there’s still pride on the line. Time to secure the 50th victory of the year. Let’s go A’s!