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Astros’ Ronel Blanco Back from Suspension, Faces A’s in Crucial Finale
Ronel Blanco is ready to make a comeback as the Houston Astros take on the Oakland Athletics in the decisive game of their three-game series.
Series Recap
The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics are neck and neck, each winning one game in this series. The Astros took the first game with a 6-3 win on Friday, but the A’s bounced back on Saturday with a 3-1 victory. Now, all eyes are on the rubber match this Sunday afternoon.
Blanco’s Suspension and Return
Ronel Blanco, a pivotal pitcher for the Astros, is back after a 10-day suspension for having a sticky substance on his glove during a game against the A’s on May 14. In that game, Blanco was on fire, shutting out the A’s for the first three innings before being ejected after an umpire’s inspection.
The ejection and suspension sparked controversy. The Astros, including general manager Dana Brown, defended Blanco, saying the substance was just a mix of sweat and rosin. “Ronel sweats a lot. It’s like watching someone run up and down a basketball court,” Brown said. Blanco confessed he didn’t know having rosin on his non-throwing hand was against MLB rules, leading Astros manager Joe Espada to review these rules with the team.
Blanco’s Stellar Season
Before his suspension, Blanco (4-0, 2.09 ERA) was on track for an All-Star season. The 30-year-old right-hander hasn’t given up more than three runs in any of his eight starts, helping the Astros to seven wins. Fans are eagerly awaiting Blanco’s return, hoping he can keep up his strong performance and help the Astros clinch the series.
A’s New Lineup and Contributions
The Athletics will pose a new challenge for Blanco, with outfielders Daz Cameron and Miguel Andujar recently promoted from Triple-A. Cameron has already made his mark, hitting a game-tying home run in his debut and driving in a run on Saturday. Andujar, while not playing Saturday, made a significant impact on Friday with three hits and two RBIs.
“Big hit for Cameron,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “This kid signed with us to get a shot at the big leagues, and we like what we’ve seen. He’s made an impact in both games he’s played.”
Athletics’ Starting Pitcher: Aaron Brooks
Oakland will start right-hander Aaron Brooks (0-1, 4.15 ERA) in the finale. Brooks, who began the season at Triple-A, has been solid in his two starts for the A’s, allowing three runs in each game. His season debut against the Astros on May 15 ended in a 3-0 loss, despite a strong seven-inning performance.
Historically, Brooks has had a tough time against the Astros, with an 0-5 record and a 7.09 ERA over six career starts. He’ll be looking to change his fortunes and help the A’s win the series.
Key Factors for the Finale
The Astros will count on Blanco’s strong pitching to take control of the series, while the A’s hope their new players keep delivering. Both teams need solid performances from their starting pitchers and clutch hitting to win this crucial game.
Conclusion
Sunday’s game is set to be an exciting end to the series, with both teams aiming to gain ground in the AL West. Ronel Blanco’s return adds extra excitement, as the Astros look to dominate and the Athletics aim for an upset. The showdown at Oakland Coliseum is a must-watch for baseball fans.
