Breaking Down Each Athletics Pitching Matchup vs. Pirates

In the first game of the series, the Athletics will send out their ace, J.T. Ginn. He currently hosts a 4-3 record with a 3.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. In his last start vs. the Brewers, he would struggle, giving up eight hits and allowing five runs with three walks. However, every start struggled during the Vegas series, so some grace should be given.

Ginn's opponent in Game 1 will be Jared Jones, who is 1-0 with a 4.73 ERA and 1.43. Even though Jones is very unproven, he has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in his start vs. the Astros on June 4, when he pitched five innings and gave up just four hits and no runs.

In what could be the series decider, the Athletics will use Jack Perkins, who has a 2-3 record with a 6.25 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Since turning into a starter, Perkins has been decent but not great for the Athletics. In his last start on June 10, he would give up five hits, three runs, and two home runs in 4.0 innings.

In Game 2, the Pirates will utilize Mitch Keller, who has a 5-4 record, a 5.14 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP. In his last start vs. the Dodgers on June 11, he would pitch four innings and allow seven hits and five runs, along with a home run. Both pitchers will be looking to turn things around on Monday.

The Athletics currently do not have a starter listed for Game 3, which could mean we see Kade Morris or Joey Estes get the start. But Aaron Civale could return in this game, as he has been rehabbing in Triple-A. In his last start, he pitched 4.1 innings and gave up no hits. Civale should start in Game 3.

Whoever starts for the A's will face Braxton Ashcraft, who has been solid for the Pirates this season. He is 5-3 with a 3.30 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This game will be the most challenging for the Athletics and, like in Game 2, could be the series decider in a must-win for the Athletics.