This past weekend, the Athletics finished the homestand on a positive note, winning two of three games against the Texas Rangers for their first series victory at Sutter Health Park since the end of May.
The A's will look to carry that momentum into this roadtrip, which begins tonight with the first of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Both teams entered this season with playoff expectations, yet find themselves in last place in their respective mediocre divisions with two of the three worst records in the league.
A major reason behind the A's success against the Rangers was their starting pitching, as all three starters tossed six solid innings, giving the Green and Gold the chance to win each game. Tonight, A's right-hander Mason Barnett will start the series opener in Kansas City, looking to deliver his best outing since joining the starting rotation and give the team another quality start.
The 25-year-old enters his 18th appearance and fourth start of the season with a 1-3 record, a 6.16 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 36 strikeouts over 38 innings. After lasting five innings in his first start a few weeks ago, Barnett has failed to make it past four innings in his last two outings. Most recently, he took the loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over four innings pitched.
With the A's not receiving an off day in between these two series, the team needs Barnett to pitch efficiently and effectively. Today would be as good a day as any for the youngster to earn his first win as a starting pitcher this year. Additionally, a quality start could help him maintain his place in the rotation. Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs will return from the injured list soon. He will likely replace either Barnett or tomorrow's scheduled starter, Jack Perkins.
#innings #five
The A's will look to carry that momentum into this roadtrip, which begins tonight with the first of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Both teams entered this season with playoff expectations, yet find themselves in last place in their respective mediocre divisions with two of the three worst records in the league.
A major reason behind the A's success against the Rangers was their starting pitching, as all three starters tossed six solid innings, giving the Green and Gold the chance to win each game. Tonight, A's right-hander Mason Barnett will start the series opener in Kansas City, looking to deliver his best outing since joining the starting rotation and give the team another quality start.
The 25-year-old enters his 18th appearance and fourth start of the season with a 1-3 record, a 6.16 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 36 strikeouts over 38 innings. After lasting five innings in his first start a few weeks ago, Barnett has failed to make it past four innings in his last two outings. Most recently, he took the loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks over four innings pitched.
With the A's not receiving an off day in between these two series, the team needs Barnett to pitch efficiently and effectively. Today would be as good a day as any for the youngster to earn his first win as a starting pitcher this year. Additionally, a quality start could help him maintain his place in the rotation. Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs will return from the injured list soon. He will likely replace either Barnett or tomorrow's scheduled starter, Jack Perkins.
#innings #five
2 months ago
