The San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics have headed in different directions this year. While the Giants have enjoyed one of their best stretches in franchise history as of late, the A's sit more than 10 games outside of the division lead in the American League West.
Yet that may not be an accurate predictor of the upcoming Bay Bridge Series, as the teams own a 7-7 record against each other since 2013. The clubs will open their four-game home-and-home series at AT&T Park on Monday.
"It's pretty spirited games, whether it's over there or at our place," said A's manager Bob Melvin. "It's got a different feel to it. The guys here know how I feel about them. When you've lived in the Bay Area and grew up there, you know that there's a bit of a spotlight whenever we play them and you want to put your best foot forward."
Former Athletic and first-year Giant Jeff Samardzija will look to bounce back from one of his worst outings of 2016. Samardzija lasted just three innings Wednesday at Pittsburgh, surrendering six earned runs and three home runs in the process.
The A's will counter with Daniel Mengden, who is winless in three career starts after being promoted from Triple-A on June 11.
Things to know about this game
• Samardzija has only lasted past the fifth inning once in his last five starts, the one being a complete game at Tampa Bay on June 17. He is 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA at AT&T Park.
• Second baseman Joe Panik received the day off Sunday in the Giants' final game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Panik is batting .302 with 12 RBIs in his last 15 games.
• Mengden has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his starts. Monday will be his first start in a night game.
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