A's Aim for Sweep in Las Vegas Finale Against Rockies: Springs Takes the Mound
The Athletics are aiming to complete a sweep of the Colorado Rockies in Las Vegas this afternoon after winning the past two games in back-and-forth battles. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs will take the mound for the A’s in the series finale, facing the challenge of pitching in triple-digit heat. Springs, with a 3-6 record and a 4.68 ERA this season, is looking to end a two-month winless streak and improve his performance in limiting home runs.
To bolster their bullpen, the A’s made a roster move by recalling left-handed reliever Brady Basso and optioning starter Joey Estes back to Triple-A. Manager Mark Kotsay has made some interesting lineup decisions for today's game, with Lawrence Butler leading off and Nick Kurtz serving as the designated hitter. Jeff McNeil will play first base, while Carlos Cortes will start in right field. Notably, catcher Shea Langeliers and shortstop Jacob Wilson are not in the starting lineup due to rest and injury recovery, respectively.
Facing the Rockies’ right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, the A’s lineup will need to capitalize on opportunities to score runs. Sugano, with a 6-4 record and a 4.08 ERA, has allowed 12 home runs this season. The Rockies’ lineup features shortstop Ezequiel Tovar returning after sitting out the previous games. The A’s will look to secure a victory to conclude their Las Vegas residency with a 5-1 record and return to West Sacramento above .500. Let's go A’s!