Athletics Seek to Extend Winning Streak Against Marlins

3 days ago - Sports

The Oakland Athletics are set to face off against the Miami Marlins in a crucial matchup, with the Athletics aiming to extend their winning streak to four consecutive series. The Athletics have been on a roll, winning eight of their last 10 games, including three in a row, and boasting the best road record in the majors at 12 6. They are currently in second place in the competitive American League West, just two games behind the Seattle Mariners.

Athletics' Confidence on the Rise

The Athletics' young team is feeling confident, with manager Mark Kotsay praising their recent performances. The team's confidence has been building, and they are now playing with a sense of assurance that is paying off on the field. The Athletics' hitters have a collective .416 slugging percentage, ranking ninth in MLB, and are looking to continue their strong form against the Marlins.

Gunnar Hoglund's Impressive Debut

Right hander Gunnar Hoglund made an impressive major league debut on Friday, allowing one run on six hits over six innings and striking out seven batters. Hoglund's performance was a significant factor in the Athletics' 6 1 victory over the Marlins, and he is expected to continue his strong form on Saturday. The 25 year old right hander has been recalled from Triple A Las Vegas and has a 1 2 record and 2.43 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings for the Aviators.

Marlins Struggling to Break Losing Streak

The Marlins, on the other hand, are struggling to break their six game losing streak. They have been outscored by 34 runs in their last 10 games and have a 3 7 record during this period. The Marlins' offense has been struggling, with a .240 batting average and a 7.63 ERA in their last 10 games. Miami manager Clayton McCullough will look to right hander Max Meyer to snap the team's skid on Saturday. Meyer has a 2 3 record and 3.18 ERA, and has never faced the Athletics before.

Injury Concerns for Marlins

The Marlins are dealing with several injuries, including starting second baseman Otto Lopez, who left Friday's game with an ankle injury. The extent of Lopez's injury is not yet clear, and the Marlins will have to wait and see how he progresses over the next day or so. The Marlins are also without several other players, including Robert Brantly, Griffin Conine, Derek Hill, Nick Fortes, Declan Cronin, Ryan Weathers, Andrew Nardi, Braxton Garrett, and Eury Perez, all of whom are on the injured list.

Athletics' Starting Lineup and Pitching

The Athletics will start right hander Osvaldo Bido, who has a 2 2 record and 4.31 ERA, and is 2 0 with a 2.30 ERA in three road starts this season. Bido has faced the Marlins before, and has a 1.86 ERA in three career appearances against them. The Athletics' lineup is expected to feature a mix of veterans and young players, with Jacob Wilson, Miguel Andujar, and Kyle Stowers all looking to make an impact.

The matchup between the Athletics and Marlins promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to gain an edge in their respective divisions. The Athletics are looking to continue their winning streak, while the Marlins are desperate to snap their losing skid. With strong pitching performances and solid hitting expected from both teams, this game is sure to be a thrilling contest.