A’s vs. Dodgers game thread

Looking to secure the series win against a top team in baseball

The A’s started their 3-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers on the right note last night, beating the NL West-leading squad in a close 6-5 win that gave us a bit of stress at the end. A win is a win and they’ll be looking for their second against these Dodgers and secure the series win.

Rookie righty Mitch Spence is set to make his 14th start of the season. The Rule 5 pick has had an overall solid season but not without its down parts. He’s coming off a couple solid outings though and will look to keep that going against a potent Dodgers lineup that’s missing some key pieces but is still dangerous.

The Oakland lineup that’ll be behind Spence tonight:

The top half of the lineup remains unchanged but the 6-7-8 spots look different tonight. Getting his first game action since returning from the IL will be Darell Hernáiz, who will start tonight at second base in place of regular Zack Gelof. Abraham Toro gets the nod at the hot corner and the lefty Seth Brown gets the start at first with the Dodgers starting a right-hander tonight.

That righty will be Dodgers deadline acquisition Jack Flaherty. The right-handed veteran is having a career year and was acquired by Los Angeles to anchor the front of their rotation. They’ll get their first look at him in a Dodger uniform tonight against the Athletics. They have their work cut out for them against Flaherty but maybe they’ll benefit from some new team jitters and lack of familiarity with LA catcher Will Smith.

The Dodgers lineup:

We’re really lucky the Dodgers came to town while they’re without Mookir Betts and Freddie Freeman. Still, this lineup is no joke and Spence has his work cut out for him. He can do it though! Let’s go A’s! Steal the series against the Dodgers and get a chance to sweep ‘em away tomorrow!