After a tough two-game skid, the Athletics are hungry to get back in the win column tonight as they take on the St. Louis Cardinals in the middle game of this series. Sitting at 21-20, the A's are teetering on the edge of .500 and know a loss would push them to the wrong side of that mark. With the Mariners lurking just one game behind and riding a two-game winning streak of their own, the Green & Gold need a strong showing to maintain their grip on first place in the AL West.
Taking the mound for the home squad is right-hander J.T. Ginn, who is coming off a career-best performance. After a rough outing prior, Ginn bounced back in a huge way last week, tossing eight innings of one-run ball against the Phillies. He struck out eight batters, with the only blemish being a solo home run to superstar slugger Kyle Schwarber—nothing to hang his head about. The question now is: can the young righty follow up that gem with another dominant start?
The Athletics' lineup tonight features some exciting changes and a big moment for a prospect fans have been eager to see. Outfielder Henry Bolte is making his big league debut, drawing the start in center field and batting fifth—right behind Brent Rooker, who will patrol left field. It's a clear vote of confidence from manager Mark Kotsay to slot the highly-touted Bolte into the heart of the order right away. Shea Langeliers is serving as the designated hitter, and he'll team up with Nick Kurtz to lead things off at the top of the lineup. Right fielder Colby Thomas follows, quietly putting together a solid 5-for-15 stretch with one home run, and as a right-handed hitter, he benefits from facing a left-handed starter tonight. That matchup also explains why lefty hitters Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler are on the bench—both could use the mental reset after a tough stretch.
But Bolte isn't the only one making a debut tonight. Journeyman infielder Michael Stefanic will handle second base and make his first big league appearance, adding another layer of excitement to an already memorable evening at the ballpark. With a mix of fresh faces and proven talent, the A's are looking to turn the page and get back to their winning ways.