Athletics Seek Series Sweep Against Cubs as Ginn Faces Imanaga’s Slump
Right-hander J.T. Ginn takes the mound for Oakland while Shota Imanaga attempts to halt a slide that has seen his season ERA climb by over two runs.
The Oakland Athletics are positioned to complete a three-game series sweep against the Chicago Cubs in Game 62, following a pivotal come-from-behind victory in the previous match. The win marked Oakland’s 30th of the season, a result that propelled the club into second place in their division, overtaking the Texas Rangers. This marks the first time the Athletics have secured a series sweep since early April.
Oakland will start right-hander J.T. Ginn, a 27-year-old pitcher currently described as being in the midst of a fantastic season. Ginn is tasked with closing out the series against a Chicago Cubs squad that has struggled to contain Oakland’s offence. The Athletics’ lineup features rookie centre fielder Henry Bolte batting leadoff, followed by Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz. Colby Thomas, who hit a home run in the previous game, will bat cleanup, with Matt Soderstrom batting fifth.
In contrast, the Cubs will rely on 32-year-old right-hander Shota Imanaga to prevent the sweep. Imanaga, now in his third year in Major League Baseball, began the season strongly with a 2.32 ERA through his first nine starts. However, his performance has deteriorated significantly in his last three appearances, where he allowed a total of 20 earned runs. This recent cold streak has raised his season ERA by more than two full runs.
Imanaga has faced particular difficulty at Wrigley Field, allowing five home runs in his past two appearances at the venue. SportsLine analyst Adam Thompson has identified wind blowing out to left field as a key factor for the game, noting that Imanaga has allowed eight home runs in his last three starts. This environmental condition may further challenge the Cubs’ starter, who has only pitched once against the Athletics, recording six innings of two-run ball when the team was still based in Oakland.
Oakland’s batting order includes several key matchups against left-handed pitching, with Shea Langeliers holding an OPS of .951 against lefties and a history of hitting more home runs on the road. While regulars Brent Rooker and Darell Hernaiz are resting, the Athletics have adjusted their defensive alignment, with Jonah Heim catching and Alika Williams at shortstop. Jeff McNeil and Zack Gelof will occupy second and third base respectively as Oakland looks to capitalise on Chicago’s current struggles.
