Orioles at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics began their 10-game homestand by losing two of three to Seattle, but they can complete a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles when they host the American League cellar dwellers for the finale of the set on Wednesday afternoon. Oakland recorded a one-run triumph in the series opener before cruising to a 16-2 win on Tuesday.
The Athletics belted six home runs among their 15 hits, with every member of the starting lineup recording at least a single. Ramon Laureano went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs scored while Beau Taylor hit his first career homer for Oakland, which staged a 10-run rally in the sixth inning to secure the victory. Baltimore managed only four hits on Tuesday, including a solo blast by Jonathan Villar. The homer was the only extra-base hit recorded by Baltimore, which has suffered seven consecutive setbacks.
TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (1-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Athletics Chris Bassitt (3-3, 3.68)
Yacabonis will be called on to serve as the "opener" as he makes his 14th appearance of the season. The 27-year-old native of New Jersey worked two scoreless innings of relief in the series opener on Monday, allowing one hit and two walks while registering three strikeouts. Yacobonis, who is expected to be followed by Josh Rogers, gave up two hits and a walk with a pair of strikeouts over 2 2/3 frames in two relief outings against Oakland earlier this season.
Bassitt has lost back-to-back starts, including a turn against Seattle on Friday in which he yielded four runs on five hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old native of Ohio has managed to keep the ball in the park of late, however, as he hasn't served up a home run over 17 1/3 frames in his last three outings. Bassitt has made two career starts against Baltimore, going 1-0 while allowing three runs and registering 13 strikeouts in 15 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics' six homers on Tuesday were their most since June 17, 2008 at Arizona.
2. Oakland C Nick Hundley, who landed on the injured list with back spasms, underwent left knee surgery on Tuesday and could be sidlined for six more weeks.
3. Baltimore sent OF Dwight Smith Jr. (concussion) to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.