We’ll see if the Oakland Athletics have another upset up their sleeve in Wednesday’s series finale with the visiting Houston Astros. For a team that’s ranked dead last in the AL West division, the A’s have played the Astros surprisingly tough this season. They hope that trend continues with Cole Irvin as the starting pitcher against Astros righty Cristian Javier.
Nothing is ever guaranteed in these divisional matchups.
It’s easy to take for granted that the Astros will just roll over the A’s. And then a game like the opener happens and leaves everyone second-guessing themselves.
Oakland has been a thorn in the side for Houston in these head-to-head matchups, and Wednesday’s finale could follow that same trend, if the Astros aren’t careful.
Cristian Javier having another sensational pitching night would go a long way towards ensuring another upset doesn’t happen. He was key in helping the Astros hold the New York Yankees’ murderer’s row batting lineup to only two runs in a victory last Thursday. The 25-year-old starting pitcher is throwing a 3.13 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP and 6-5 record.
This is a great opportunity for him to grab that seventh win against a struggling A’s batting lineup slashing .214/.275/.339. But Cole Irvin will be looking to match him on the other end. The A’s starting lefty beat the Astros the last time he stared them down. So Javier might not have the breathing room to struggle in this game if Oakland manages to keep the Astros off the scoreboard.