The Oakland Athletics took a small step back in the pursuit of the postseason after losing five games in a row. However, Tuesday was a different story when they faced the struggling New York Mets and got a 6-2 win to help get on track. It was their 35th win in the last 47 home games. Can they build a new win streak? The Mets are struggling, but pitcher Zack Wheeler has the hot hand to shut down Oakland on Wednesday.
Oakland found their bats on Tuesday as Coco Crisp knocked in three RBI and Josh Reddick added a two-run homer. The A's are one-half game back from Los Angeles for the American League West, but Wheeler could make getting their tough. The pitcher is 8-8 on the season with a 3.49 ERA, but is 5-0 with a 2.02 ERA in his last nine starts. He is coming off another strong start after giving up just two runs and 10 strikeouts in six innings. It has been at least six starts since he gave up six runs in two innings.
The Athletics will face Jeff Samardzija who is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA with the Athletics. He is at risk of getting back-to-back losses since getting traded from the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struggled against the Kansas City Royals, giving up four runs and eight hits in six innings. He had given up just four runs in 13 innings prior to that. At home, Samardzija is strong, going 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA, getting Oakland the win each time. Daniel Murphy is 3 for 6 with a home run off the pitcher while Ruben Tejada is 4 for 9.
The Mets are in need of a bounce back. The team has lost three games straight while losing six of their last eight overall. They are not close to making the playoffs, but could at least finish with a solid record.
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