The Sacramento Athletics return to Sutter Health Park on Sunday, July 19 to host the Washington Nationals in a 4:05 PM ET first pitch. Jacob Lopez takes the ball for Sacramento against Washington's Foster Griffin in a matchup that gives the A's a chance to strengthen their position with a home crowd behind them. For a club building toward what matters come October, every game log entry — win or loss — tells the coaching staff something. This one's no different.

Probable Pitchers: Jacob Lopez vs. Foster Griffin

Lopez gets the nod for Sacramento. Pitching data for both starters is unavailable heading into Sunday's game, so there's limited statistical context to frame either arm right now. What we can say is that Lopez has an opportunity to make a statement in front of the home crowd. Griffin, a left-hander who has bounced around the league, will look to keep Sacramento's lineup off-balance.

Without ERA or win-loss figures in hand, the quality of this pitching matchup will have to reveal itself on the field. Keep an eye on pitch mix, command, and how each starter handles the opposing lineup's top of the order.

Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup

• 1. Jacob Wilson, SS
• 2. Tyler Soderstrom, LF
• 3. Shea Langeliers, DH
• 4. Jonah Heim, C
• 5. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, 3B
• 6. Colby Thomas, RF
• 7. Tommy White, 1B
• 8. Henry Bolte, CF
• 9. Alika Williams, 2B

Keys to Watch on Sunday

The Top of the Order Sets the Tone

Jacob Wilson leading off is exactly where you want your shortstop if he's getting on base and creating chaos. Tyler Soderstrom bats second, and Shea Langeliers slots in third as the designated hitter. If those three can work counts against Griffin early, Sacramento's middle of the order — anchored by Jonah Heim catching and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer at third — has a chance to do real damage.

Lopez and the First Two Innings

For any starting pitcher, the early innings establish rhythm and dictate how long the manager leans on them. Watch how Lopez handles the Nationals' lineup in the first time through the order. Command and limiting free passes will be the story if Lopez is going to give Sacramento length on Sunday afternoon.

Henry Bolte's Role in the Bottom Third

Bolte bats eighth in center field. The bottom of a lineup can grind an opposing starter down when it refuses to give away outs, and Bolte alongside Alika Williams at second base gives Sacramento a chance to keep innings alive heading back to Wilson at the top.

Prediction

Sacramento takes this one at home. Sutter Health Park should provide a genuine advantage on a Sunday afternoon, and the A's lineup has enough depth top to bottom to put crooked numbers on the board. A lot depends on Lopez establishing himself early — if he does, this is Sacramento's game to control. Edge: Athletics.

Catch the game live on NBCSCA or listen on Talk 650 KSTE. Spanish-language coverage is available on KVMX 92.1/105.5.