Athletics vs Padres Preview: Pitching Faces in Week 61 Clash

You've got to love what the Athletics did yesterday. Nick Kurtz doubled to center and started the damage early. Brent Rooker kept that momentum rolling. Now they're back today hungry for another fight. Kurtz is a towering 6-foot-5 power hitter the Athletics drafted fourth overall in 2024. Rooker has crushed 30-plus home runs three straight seasons. These two are the future of Oakland's lineup. They nearly pulled off a win against San Diego yesterday. Today they want to finish the job and grab a series split against the Padres at Petco Park.

The Padres dominated yesterday and you could see it from the start. Manny Machado crushed a two-run homer to left-center that tied the game at 2-2 early. That's the kind of power swing that changes everything. Machado is still the centerpiece of this team. He's got a decade-plus of experience and plays elite defense at third base. Multiple Gold Glove awards prove it. San Diego's pitching staff anchors the team too. Mason Miller in the bullpen is one of baseball's most electric closers. The Padres are 30-20 on the season and rolling. They need to keep this energy going into today's matchup.

Here's what makes this game exciting. You've got two offenses that can really hit. Yesterday's game showed us that. The Athletics scratched and clawed for runs while the Padres piled them on late. Shea Langeliers is hitting a scorching .350 for Oakland with 4 home runs. That's the kind of hot bat that can carry you. Lucas Giolito takes the mound for San Diego while J.T. Ginn starts for Oakland. This pitching matchup will set the tone early. Both teams want momentum heading into the rest of the week. Buckle up for another battle.