The Oakland Athletics open up a key early AL West divisional battle with the Texas Rangers tonight at the soon to be O.Co Coliseum (you can't make this up). The A's are 12-13 and sit three games back of the Rangers in the AL West, meaning this series could help the A's build huge momentum heading into May. This series is of particular note because the two teams send out their top four pitchers to do battle. The series opens with Trevor Cahill and C.J. Wilson in a close matchup, and follows with matchups that seemingly favor the A's.
Of course, as we've seen over the last few weeks, the A's pitching can be as great as can be, but without offense to help, it doesn't really matter. Kurt Suzuki returns from paternity leave and Josh Willingham appears to have cleared up his back issue in time for Friday night's game. Coco Crisp is not certain with his quad issue, and appears likely to be game-time decisions this weekend.
The series wraps around to Monday, and if the A's can grab three of four, they'd have themselves within two games of the Rangers. It is still early, but team position on Memorial Day can prove to be pivotal as the summer gets going. This is as important as any other series in the A's hopes for a return to the playoffs.
Current Series
4 game series vs Rangers @ Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
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Texas Rangers Friday, Apr 29, 2011, 7:05 PM PDT C.J. Wilson vs Trevor Cahill Clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60. Complete Coverage > |
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| Sat 04/30 - Brett Anderson vs. Colby Lewis | 1:05 PM PDT | |
| Sun 05/01 - Gio Gonzalez vs. Matt Harrison | 1:05 PM PDT | |
| Mon 05/02 - Brandon McCarthy vs. Derek Holland | 12:35 PM PDT | |
