Jeffrey Springs Starts for Athletics Against Colorado Rockies in Las Vegas
Jeffrey Springs started for the Athletics against the colorado rockies in the Las Vegas series finale as they chased a sweep. The assignment came after he was originally lined up for the previous day. The Athletics had already taken the first two games, both after blowing leads, so the finale carried a clean chance to finish the set.
Springs Returns After No-Decision
Springs entered his 15th start with a 3-6 record, a 4.68 ERA, 63 strikeouts and 75 innings pitched. In the first game of the Las Vegas series, he allowed five runs on eight hits in five innings and settled for a no-decision. He had not earned a win for two months going into the finale.
That line framed the biggest pitching question for the Athletics: whether Springs could give them enough length in a game expected to be played in triple-digit heat. The club needed a steadier start after surviving the first two games with comeback wins.
Athletics Shuffle The Lineup
The Athletics changed the group around him before first pitch. Joey Estes was optioned to Triple-A, and left-handed reliever Brady Basso was recalled on the morning of the game. Lawrence Butler led off, Nick Kurtz served as the designated hitter, and Jeff McNeil played first base.
Carlos Cortes made his first start of the series in right field and hit fourth. Shea Langeliers did not start after two straight days behind the plate, and Jacob Wilson also sat, taking a rest day after returning from the injured list with a shoulder injury. Alika Williams started at shortstop after collecting three hits and a walk the previous night.
Sugano Opposes The A's
Tomoyuki Sugano started for the colorado rockies, bringing a 6-4 record, a 4.08 ERA, 39 strikeouts and 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts into the game. He had won his previous two starts and last pitched against the Chicago Cubs, when he allowed three runs on six hits in five innings.
The pitching matchup gave the Athletics a familiar choice: manage Springs after an uneven first outing in the series, or lean on the chance to finish the sweep with a starter who had already seen the same opponent once in Las Vegas. With the first two wins secured, the finale hinged on whether the rotation could hold up in the heat and close the series without another late swing.
