Welcome to May! A new month means a fresh start and a brand-new series for the Athletics. After finishing April with a solid 17-14 record, the A's are staying put in Sacramento, swapping out the Royals for the Guardians in their second straight AL Central matchup at home. Old friend Stephen Vogt has his Cleveland squad sitting at an even 16-16, good enough for a tie atop their division. That sets the stage for a competitive weekend between two first-place teams. Three games on tap, and we're aiming for the win.

Taking the mound for the good guys tonight is right-hander J.T. Ginn. Since joining the rotation, the 26-year-old has been nothing short of impressive, solidifying the backend with four starts and a sparkling 2.50 ERA. His strikeout count (15) could be higher, but he's not hurting himself with free passes (7). This evening, he faces a Guardians lineup that ranks in the bottom third of most league-wide statistical categories—an excellent matchup for Ginn, provided he's careful with Cleveland's leader, Jose Ramirez.

The Athletics' lineup for tonight's series opener is set, and there's plenty to be excited about. Catcher Shea Langeliers is surprisingly in the lineup, though he remains on baby watch as his wife could deliver any minute. If he exits mid-game, now you know why. He'll slot between leadoff man Jacob Wilson and big bat Nick Kurtz, with Brent Rooker back in his usual DH spot. This is the kind of top-of-the-order firepower fans envisioned coming into the season.

Elsewhere in the A's starting nine, Darell Hernaiz draws another start at the hot corner and stays in the five-hole after his three-hit performance yesterday. The team also welcomes back left fielder Tyler Soderstrom after a two-game absence due to what the club called "whiplash." Whatever it was, it's great to have his left-handed bat back in the order. Colby Thomas remains in right field, and Zack Gelof is in there as well. Let's get this series started on the right foot!