The Sacramento Athletics hit the road on Sunday, August 23, taking on the Houston Astros at Daikin Park for a 2:10 PM ET afternoon contest. Brady Basso gets the ball for the A's against Houston's Cristian Javier in what shapes up as an interesting pitching matchup between two arms that both have something to prove. With the regular season marching forward, every road win against an AL West opponent carries real weight, and this one is no different. Catch the game on NBCSCA or radio on Talk 650 KSTE.
Athletics vs. Astros Pitching Matchup: Brady Basso vs. Cristian Javier
Brady Basso draws the start for Sacramento, and this is the kind of outing where the young lefty gets a chance to make a statement on the road in a tough environment. Daikin Park is not a friendly place to pitch, and Basso will need to keep the ball down and work efficiently against a Houston lineup that can do damage in a hurry if you let them get comfortable.
On the other side, Cristian Javier takes the mound for the Astros. Javier has the kind of repertoire — heavy on strikeouts, difficult deception — that can give an A's lineup fits if Sacramento's hitters come out flat. The key for the Athletics offense will be working counts early, not letting Javier settle in, and putting pressure on Houston's bullpen by the middle innings.
Keys to Watch for the Sacramento Athletics
- Basso's command: If he can stay ahead in counts and keep Houston's middle-of-the-order bats from getting extended, the A's have a real shot to keep this game close deep into the afternoon.
- Offensive patience: Javier rewards hitters who chase. Sacramento needs disciplined at-bats early to get into Houston's bullpen, where games like this often get decided.
- Road mentality: Daikin Park crowds can be loud and engaged. The A's will need to stay focused and not let the environment dictate the pace of the game.
- Bullpen management: If Basso runs into trouble, Sacramento's relief depth and how the A's manager navigates the middle innings will be a pivotal storyline to track.
Prediction: Athletics vs. Astros on Sunday, August 23
This is a grind-it-out road game in a ballpark that has chewed up plenty of visiting clubs. The A's have the pieces to compete, but Javier at home is a genuine challenge. If Basso delivers five or six quality innings and Sacramento's offense makes him work, the A's bullpen can hold the door. That's a lot of things needing to go right on the road. Give the slight edge to Houston, but don't be surprised if this one stays close wire to wire. A's 3, Astros 4.
