Game Thread #129: Milwaukee Brewers (74-54) @ Oakland Athletics (55-74)

Brewers look to run it back, send Rea to the mound

If the series against the Cardinals left a sour feeling, the Brewers made sure to flip the script with an explosive 11-3 win in game one against the Oakland A’s. They’ll be looking for a similar result Saturday afternoon with Colin Rea set to start.

Rea has been a key contributor in recent months with an ERA of just 3.22 since May 25. In that time, he has allowed more than two runs on just three occasions.

He allowed four home runs against the Dodgers while getting hammered for seven earned runs, but in his last start, he shut out the Guardians over seven innings. The A’s aren’t a dominant lineup, but they have some serious pop. If Rea keeps the ball in the park, he could have another big day.

Brice Turang is back in the lineup and at the top of the order to set the stage for the heart of the order. If Jackson Chourio continues his scorching form and Turang finds the earlier season play that had him in All-Star talks, this could be a potent duo down the stretch.

Willy Adames, Joey Ortiz, and Jake Bauers will fill out the rest of the infield. That gives Rhys Hoskins a turn at designated hitter today.

William Contreras will start at catcher as he looks to continue his excellent August. In 86 plate appearances, Contreras has hit .320 with six home runs. He’s been bullying baseballs with a 14.3% barrel rate this month.

In the outfield, Chourio, Blake Perkins, and Garrett Mitchell start from left to right. Mitchell hasn’t put together many massive performances lately, but he has a hit in five of his last six games.

First pitch is set for 3:07 p.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.