Preview: Indians at Athletics
Gracenote
Jun 30, 2018
The Oakland Athletics attempt to extend their season-high winning streak to six games when they host the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. After sweeping a four-game set in Detroit, the Athletics began their five-game homestand Friday with a 3-1 triumph over Cleveland.
Jed Lowrie belted his 14th homer of the season while Khris Davis and Marcus Semien each recorded two hits and an RBI for Oakland, which moved a season-best seven games over .500. Lowrie is 10-for-21 with three home runs and six RBIs during his five-game hitting streak and is two homers shy of matching the career mark he set in 2012 with Houston. Cleveland managed only six hits on Friday as it fell to 1-3 during its nine-game road trip. Francisco Lindor, who went 2-for-4 and drove in the Indians' lone run with a double in the eighth inning, has registered 10 multi-hit efforts this month.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Adam Plutko (4-1, 4.65 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (0-0, 1.50)
Plutko is coming off a victory over Detroit on Sunday in which he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings. The 26-year-old Californian did not allow a home run in the triumph after serving up a total of seven in his first four starts of the season - and his career. Plutko, who never has faced Oakland, has held right-handed hitters to a .197 batting average while lefties are hitting .322 against him.
Jackson made his first start for his 13th major-league team on Monday and was superb but came away without a decision in Detroit. The German-born 34-year-old worked six strong innings, allowing one run and six hits while registering seven strikeouts without issuing a walk. Jackson has had Cleveland's number over his career as he is 9-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 13 starts and two relief appearances against the Indians.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics are 15-4 against the American League Central this year.
2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman (thumb) hit off a tee on Friday and will take batting practice on Sunday, which could lead to his return from the disabled list next week.
3. Cleveland RHP Carlos Carrasco (elbow) will make what could be his final rehab appearance Saturday for Double-A Akron.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Athletics 3
Gracenote
Jun 30, 2018
The Oakland Athletics attempt to extend their season-high winning streak to six games when they host the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. After sweeping a four-game set in Detroit, the Athletics began their five-game homestand Friday with a 3-1 triumph over Cleveland.
Jed Lowrie belted his 14th homer of the season while Khris Davis and Marcus Semien each recorded two hits and an RBI for Oakland, which moved a season-best seven games over .500. Lowrie is 10-for-21 with three home runs and six RBIs during his five-game hitting streak and is two homers shy of matching the career mark he set in 2012 with Houston. Cleveland managed only six hits on Friday as it fell to 1-3 during its nine-game road trip. Francisco Lindor, who went 2-for-4 and drove in the Indians' lone run with a double in the eighth inning, has registered 10 multi-hit efforts this month.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Adam Plutko (4-1, 4.65 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (0-0, 1.50)
Plutko is coming off a victory over Detroit on Sunday in which he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings. The 26-year-old Californian did not allow a home run in the triumph after serving up a total of seven in his first four starts of the season - and his career. Plutko, who never has faced Oakland, has held right-handed hitters to a .197 batting average while lefties are hitting .322 against him.
Jackson made his first start for his 13th major-league team on Monday and was superb but came away without a decision in Detroit. The German-born 34-year-old worked six strong innings, allowing one run and six hits while registering seven strikeouts without issuing a walk. Jackson has had Cleveland's number over his career as he is 9-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 13 starts and two relief appearances against the Indians.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics are 15-4 against the American League Central this year.
2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman (thumb) hit off a tee on Friday and will take batting practice on Sunday, which could lead to his return from the disabled list next week.
3. Cleveland RHP Carlos Carrasco (elbow) will make what could be his final rehab appearance Saturday for Double-A Akron.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Athletics 3