The Oakland Athletics and New York Mets close out a three-game interleague Thursday afternoon at Citi Field
Oakland Athletics at New York Mets
Oakland had its season-high six-game winning streak snapped last night with a 3-2, 13-inning loss to New York. The Athletics streak directly followed a stretch where the club lost 13 of 14. Disappointment was found in the clubhouse, as the squad is still 5 1/2 games back in the American League West race. “It’s tough,” said reliever Brad Ziegler. “because the team battled hard tonight.” The club is now 4-4 in interleague play this year, but still a dismal 17-27 versus the National League over the last two-plus seasons. Oakland is 15-25 on the road and 17-23 following a loss during the 2011 campaign.
Athletics starting pitcher Graham Godfrey is 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA and will be making his third start of his Major League career Thursday. The right-hander has allowed a .313 opponents batting average, which breaks down to .182 against left-handed hitters and .423 versus right-handers. Godfrey tallied his first lifetime victory in his last outing versus the Giants at home, allowing just two runs (one earned) and six hits over seven frames. He has allowed a single home run in each outing.
New York tallied its first walkoff victory of the season Wednesday and will now try to earn a split of its current six-game homestand. The Mets are trying desperately to return to a .500 record, but will head off on a tough road trip starting tomorrow, with stops in Texas and Detroit. The team is 5-5 in rubber games this season and 1-2 in such games at Citi Field. Over the last 26 games, dating back to May 26, the starting staff has posted a 2.71 ERA. That mark is the second-lowest in the majors over that particular span. The bullpen has also been solid of late, registering a 2.95 ERA over the last 11 contests. New York is 11-12 in day games this season and 63-62 over the last three years.
Mets starting pitcher Chris Capuano is 5-7 with a 4.29 ERA in 15 appearances (13 starts) this season. The left-hander had his two-game winning streak snapped last time out, dropping a 4-3 home contest to the Angels, surrendering three runs (two earned) and eight hits over six frames. Capuano has tallied an even 2-2 mark and 2.88 ERA in four starts this month, issuing just eight walks and compiling 17 strikeouts in 25 frames. In 14 career games (13 starts) during interleague play, he has posted a 5-6 mark and 5.50 ERA. The former Brewers hurler will be facing the Athletics for the first time in his career.
Bettors will likely back the Athletics due to their 12-5 record in interleague road games versus losing teams, while the Mets are 0-4 in Capuano’s last four home starts
