Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Lineups
Athletics
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Bolte | CF |
| 2 | Lawrence Butler | RF |
| 3 | Zack Gelof | 3B |
| 4 | Carlos Cortes | LF |
| 5 | Tommy White | 1B |
| 6 | Max Muncy | DH |
| 7 | Donovan Walton | 2B |
| 8 | Brian Serven | C |
| 9 | Alika Williams | SS |
Preview
The Sacramento Athletics return to Sutter Health Park on Wednesday, September 9, for a regular season matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. First pitch is set for 3:05 PM ET, with Brady Basso getting the ball for the A's against Toronto's Braydon Fisher. It's a late-season home date that matters — every game in September carries weight in the standings, and the A's will be looking to take care of business in front of their home crowd.
Pitching Matchup: Brady Basso vs. Braydon Fisher
Brady Basso draws the start for Sacramento. The left-hander has been part of the A's rotation and will need to keep Toronto's lineup honest through the middle innings to give the bullpen a clean path to the finish line. Opposing him is Braydon Fisher, a right-hander out of Toronto's system who represents a chance for the A's lineup to do some damage early and set the tone.
Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup
- 1. Henry Bolte — CF
- 2. Lawrence Butler — RF
- 3. Zack Gelof — 3B
- 4. Carlos Cortes — LF
- 5. Tommy White — 1B
- 6. Max Muncy — DH
- 7. Donovan Walton — 2B
- 8. Brian Serven — C
- 9. Alika Williams — SS
Keys to Watch Against Toronto
Gelof and Butler in the Heart of the Order
Lawrence Butler hitting second and Zack Gelof slotted third gives the A's genuine offensive punch near the top of the lineup. Those two will see the most plate appearances and will need to be productive against Fisher to manufacture early pressure on Toronto's staff.
Carlos Cortes Anchoring the Cleanup Spot
Cortes hitting fourth puts him in position to drive in runs when Butler and Gelof get on base. His production from the left side of the plate will be a significant factor in how much damage Sacramento can do against a right-handed starter.
Basso's Command and Pitch Mix
Against a Blue Jays lineup that can put up runs in bunches, Basso will need to work efficiently and avoid big innings. Keeping Toronto off the bases through the first few frames sets the tone for the whole game. If Basso can give Sacramento five or six solid innings, that's a winning formula.
Bottom of the Order Productivity
Donovan Walton, Brian Serven, and Alika Williams occupy the 7-8-9 spots, and the A's will need at least one of them to be a factor. September lineups get tested deep, and turning the order over with runners on means the bottom third has to contribute.
Prediction
Sutter Health Park is home turf, and the A's have the lineup construction to make Fisher work hard from the first inning. If Basso delivers a quality start and the middle of the Sacramento order does its job, the A's take this one. Edge to Sacramento, 4-2.
Catch the game on NBCSCA locally, Sportsnet for our friends in Canada, or tune in on Talk 650 KSTE or A's Cast on the radio.