McCarthy, Athletics Strive To Continue Success Against Minnesota

After a disappointing road trip, the Oakland Athletics found their swingin’ stroke back at the Coliseum.  The A’s faced off  against the Cleveland Indians in a 3- game series this past weekend and managed to compile 21 runs in a sweeping effort.  This just might have been the type of weekend the A’s were looking for.

During their past road trip, they struggled to score runs while their pitching and defense were uncharacteristic.  They must have rediscovered themselves this past weekend, because they played like a completely different ball club.  The defense was cohesive, the offense was explosive and the pitching regained its usual dominance.  The Oakland Athletics portrayed the make-up of a serious contending team.  Their next test may not be against a team in the heat of a playoff race, or be anywhere close to that, but at this point in the season every game matters.

The Athletics are getting set to take on the Minnesota Twins in another 3-games series at home.  The A’s faced the Twins in Minnesota as they were swept to end the month of May, were shutout in the last game of the 3-games series, and scored a slim total of 6 runs.  The tables turned the next time these two teams faced off after the all-star break.  The Athletics went back to Minnesota where they scored 24 runs and they delivered the sweeping favor directl back to the Twins.  With the Twins now in Oakland, the A’s will try to continue their current winning streak and sweep the Twins yet again.

Brandon McCarthy will be on the mound for the Athletics in the first game of the series.  McCarthy, who is winless since returning from the disabled list, has his sights set on getting his first win tonight against the Twins.  In his past two starts, McCarthy has received a no decisions and a loss despite pitching extremely well.  On the season, he has a 6-4 record with a remarkable 2.68 ERA.

Starting on the hill for the opposing Minnesota Twins will be left-handed pitcher Brian Duensing.  Duensing is 2-8 on the year and has a less than desirable 4.69 ERA.  It has been a pretty rough year for him to say the least, and as of late it has not seemed to get any better.  Over his past three starts, he has amassed an 0-2 record with an appalling 4.69 ERA.

Probable Starters

Tuesday, Aug. 21st, 7:05 PM

Cole De Vries (2-4, 5.04 ERA) vs Brett Anderson (season debut)

Wednesday, Aug. 22nd, 12:35 PM

To Be Announced  vs Tommy Milone (9-9, 4.03 ERA)