The Athletics are headed east without the desired momentum, and even in the game-at-a-time view of their manager Bob Melvin, it’s a rough road.
“A tough stretch . . . probably the toughest stretch that we’ll see all year,” Melvin said. “I know the guys are excited about going east and playing in ballparks that are basically museums as far as baseball goes. We’ll see how we stack up. It’s a good measuring stick for us and we’re excited about it.”
After making a run to get over .500 following a three-game sweep over the struggling Baltimore Orioles, the Athletics got a dose of reality in losing three straight to the ultimate measuring stick — the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.