Game Nine Thread. April 10, 2021. 3:05 CDT. A’s @ Astros

Astros go for series win and 5.5 game lead on A’s

Last night, Lance McCullers once again gave up only one run in a game but could only get through five innings in the Astros 6-2 loss to the A’s.

But Lance was far from the main culprit in last night’s loss to the A’s. Complete lack of production from the two to four holes in the lineup, that is, Brantley, Bregman, and Alvarez, and in general, no hits with runners in scoring position.

But more concerning, poor performances once again from the bullpen, especially Blake Taylor and Joe Smith, each of whom gave up two runs in their short stints, and who for the short season have 7.36 and 13.50 ERA’s respectively.

Two other surprise bullpen performers from last season, Brooks Raley and Enoli Paredes, have likewise disappointed so far this year.

Paredes was placed on the 10 day IL.

Today Jose Urquidy takes on Frankie Montas. The Astros hope to put some more distance between themselves and the A’s with a win, and at least hold on to a tie for first place with the Angels in the AL West.

Here’s the lineups.

Media Access

Game 3: Saturday, April 10th @ 3:05 pm CDT

Listen: Athletics – Bloomberg 960 AM, A’s Cast / Astros – KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, KLAT 1010

Watch: FS1