Christine: The A's dropped a heartbreaker in 10 innings last night, but tonight is a chance to punch back. Can they even the series against the Orioles? We've got the full preview coming up.
Jason: And we're going to talk about the bullpen, because that's where this thing is going to be decided.
Christine: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, the show where we talk A's baseball every single day. I'm your host Christine, joined as always by the sharpest mind in the game, Jason.
Jason: Hey everybody, great to be here. We've got a big one tonight.
Christine: Here's what we're talking about today. First, we're breaking down the series so far and tonight's pitching matchup. Then we're digging into the key hitters and the bullpen concerns. And finally, we're giving you our keys to the series and a bold prediction. Stick with us.
Christine: Alright Jason, let's get into it. The A's lost a tough one last night, 4-3 in 10 innings. That's a painful way to drop the opener. What did you see?
Jason: It was a classic extra-innings grind. Both starters were solid, but the bullpens were the difference. The Orioles got those two-out RBI singles in the 10th, and that was the ballgame.
Christine: So now they're down 1-0 in the series. Tonight they try to even it up. What do we know about the pitching matchup?
Jason: We don't have the official probables yet, but based on the rotation, I'd expect to see Jeffrey Springs on the mound for the A's. He's been their most consistent starter this season.
Christine: Springs has been solid, no doubt. What about the Orioles? Any idea who they're throwing?
Jason: Not confirmed, but they've got a deep staff. Whoever it is, the A's need to be patient at the plate and work the count.
Christine: The A's are 53-82 on the year, sitting in fourth in the AL West. The Orioles are 66-69, also fourth in their division. Both teams are playing out the string, but this is still a competitive series.
Jason: Exactly. There's no playoff push here, but there's pride on the line. And for the A's, it's about building momentum for next year.
Christine: Let's talk about the offense. Lawrence Butler has been on a tear lately. He homered in the Twins series, and he's been swinging a hot bat. What did he do last night?
Jason: He didn't go deep last night, but he's still the guy to watch. When Butler gets hot, he can carry this lineup.
Christine: Alika Williams chipped in with a two-run triple in the Twins series, and he's been a bright spot in the infield. He's got some pop in that bat.
Jason: Absolutely. Williams is a guy who can change the game with his speed and his ability to hit for extra bases. He's someone to keep an eye on tonight.
Christine: Alright, we've got a lot to cover. When we come back, we're going to break down the key hitters and the bullpen question marks. Stay with us.
Christine: Welcome back. We're talking key hitters for the A's in this series. Jason, who's the one guy you're watching beyond Butler?
Jason: I like Zack Gelof. He's been steady at third base, and he's got the ability to drive the ball out of the park. If he can get going, it takes some pressure off Butler.
Christine: Gelof has been solid. And what about the catching situation? Jonah Heim has been the primary guy, but Shea Langeliers is on the 10-day IL. How much does that hurt?
Jason: Anytime you lose a catcher of Langeliers' caliber, it's a blow. But Heim has stepped up, and Brian Serven is a capable backup. They'll manage.
Christine: Let's talk about the injuries overall. It's a long list: Denzel Clarke, Brooks Kriske, Nick Kurtz, Tyler O'Neill, all on the IL. That's a lot of talent sitting on the shelf.
Jason: It's been a tough year on that front. But it's also given opportunities to young guys like Henry Bolte and others to get reps. That's valuable experience for next season.
Christine: Now, the bullpen. That's been a sore spot all season. Last night, they couldn't hold the Orioles in extras. What's the concern level?
Jason: It's high. The bullpen has been inconsistent, and when you're playing close games, that's a recipe for disaster. They need someone to step up and be a reliable late-inning option.
Christine: We saw some bright spots, though. Hogan Harris has been decent, and Luis Medina has shown flashes. Can they be trusted in high-leverage spots?
Jason: It's a gamble. You never know which version of those guys you're going to get. That's the frustration. But they've got to find a way to get outs.
Christine: The Orioles have their own injury issues. Felix Bautista and Ryan Helsley are both on the 60-day IL, and Ryan Mountcastle and Jordan Westburg are out too. That's a big chunk of their roster.
Jason: It does level the playing field a bit. But they still have guys like Coby Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who did the damage last night. They're not pushovers.
Christine: Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand with those two-out RBI singles in the 10th. That's clutch hitting. The A's need to avoid those late-inning mistakes.
Jason: Exactly. It's about execution. You can't give extra outs, and you can't leave runners on base. That's been the story all year.
Christine: Alright, we're going to wrap things up with our keys to the series and a bold prediction. But first, let's take a quick break. We'll be right back.
Christine: Welcome back. It's time for our keys to the series. Jason, give us your number one key for the A's to win these next two games.
Jason: The bullpen has to be better. Plain and simple. If they can't hold leads or keep games close, it doesn't matter how many runs the offense scores.
Christine: And offensively, what's the key?
Jason: Plate discipline. The Orioles' pitching staff can be aggressive, but if the A's work counts and get into their bullpen early, they can do damage.
Christine: That's a solid point. And on the defensive side, they need to make the routine plays. Last night, a couple of miscues cost them.
Jason: Absolutely. You can't give extra outs to a team like Baltimore. They'll make you pay.
Christine: Alright, time for our bold prediction. We said before the series that Butler would homer again, and the A's would take two of three. That's still on the table.
Jason: I'm going to stick with that. Butler goes deep tonight, and the A's win a close one to even the series. Then they take the rubber match on Sunday.
Christine: I like it. And I'll add this: the A's bullpen gives us a clean ninth inning tonight. No drama. That's my bold prediction.
Jason: Bold indeed. We'll see if they can pull it off.
Christine: Alright, that's our show for today. Quick recap: we previewed game two against the Orioles, talked about the key hitters and bullpen concerns, and made our bold predictions.
Jason: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with your fellow A's fans.
Christine: And as always, let's go Oakland! We'll see you back here tomorrow.