Oakland will play the second game of a three-game series at Chicago on Saturday night. The Athletics are entering the series in great form after sweeping Houston earlier this week, while the White Sox had won three of their previous four games. This story was published prior to Friday night’s series opener.
Oakland was one of the worst teams in the majors prior to the All-Star break, going on multiple lengthy losing skids. The Athletics were able to find some positives to finish out the first half, winning two games in a three-game series against the American League West-leading Astros. That momentum has carried over into the second half of the season, as Oakland has won six of its last eight games. The Athletics pulled off a shocking sweep against Houston earlier this week, including a 4-2 win on Wednesday. They are still in last place in the American League, though, sitting 16 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot.
Can't. Stop. Watching. @Xfinity | #DrumTogether pic.twitter.com/hklmeJXijQ
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 29, 2022
The Athletics have been the worst offensive team in the MLB, hitting at a .214 clip. Catcher Sean Murphy leads the way with 79 hits, while shortstop Elvis Andrus has 72 hits. First baseman Seth Brown has hit a team-high 12 home runs. They will be facing a Chicago pitching staff that is No. 19 with an ERA of 4.02. Right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn is going to start for Oakland on Saturday. He is coming off the worst outing of his career, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits and two walks across 4.1 innings against Texas. Blackburn posted a 2.26 ERA through his first 13 starts of the season, but he is 0-4 with a 9.40 ERA in his six starts since then.