8/27/19: Open Game Thread

Tonight Yusei Kikuchi will face fellow Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka for the first time. Kikuchi takes the mound after his best performance of the year, a two-hit complete-game shutout against the Blue Jays. He was given a planned extended break after that start. Kikuchi, two-and-a-half years younger than his opponent, grew up near Tanaka and is excited for the opportunity to face him.

“I found out it’s going to be against Mr. Tanaka on the other side,” Kikuchi said, through a translator, of today’s start. “So it’s going to be a very special game and moment for me.”

Tanaka’s last start, a 6-3 loss to Oakland, saw him allow 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings, striking out 5.

Missing from the lineup tonight is Keon Broxton, who has been suspended for two games after he (seemingly by accident) hit home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez with his batting glove in last night’s game. Broxton is appealing the decision, meaning he is still eligible to play tonight and until the appeal process has been completed.

First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. PDT

TV: ROOT Sports NW, MLB.tv for out-of-market viewers

Radio: 710 ESPN, MLB At-Bat app