The Boston Red Sox head west to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Wednesday, July 29, for a 9:40 PM ET showdown against the Athletics. Patrick Sandoval gets the ball for Boston against Oakland's Jacob Lopez in what shapes up as a significant mid-summer matchup. Red Sox fans can catch every pitch on NESN back home, or tune in on WEEI 93.7 FM for radio coverage. With the calendar deep into July, every game carries postseason-race weight, and this road trip opener against a young, rebuilding Athletics club is no exception.

Red Sox Starter Patrick Sandoval Takes the Mound

Sandoval draws the assignment for Boston in this one. The left-hander has been a key piece of the Red Sox rotation, and his ability to work deep into games will be a focal point Wednesday night. The Sox will need him to establish command early against an Athletics lineup that leans heavily on young talent and has enough pop to make any pitcher pay for mistakes.

For Oakland, Jacob Lopez gets the call. Lopez is a name worth watching as the A's continue building toward the future, but the Red Sox will look to test him early and put crooked numbers on the board before the Sacramento night air settles in.

Athletics Lineup Built Around Young Core

The Athletics are sending out a lineup that features several players who represent the foundation of their rebuild. Jacob Wilson leads things off at shortstop, followed by first baseman Nick Kurtz batting second. Tommy White slots in at third base in the three-hole, with Tyler Soderstrom — sliding over to left field — batting cleanup. Jonah Heim handles the catching duties and hits fifth, while Colby Thomas draws the DH role at six. Henry Bolte patrols center field in the seven spot, Lawrence Butler handles right field at eight, and Alika Williams rounds out the order at second base.

It's a lineup with youth and athleticism, and Wilson in particular is a name opposing pitchers have to respect at the top of the order. Sandoval will need to work carefully through the middle of the Athletics' order — White, Soderstrom, and Heim can all do damage.

Keys to Watch in Wednesday's Game

• Sandoval's command: Getting ahead in counts against a disciplined young lineup will be critical. If Sandoval is locating his pitches, this could be a long night for the A's offense.
• Red Sox lineup vs. Lopez: Boston's hitters will look to work pitch counts and get to the Oakland bullpen early. How the Sox approach Lopez in the first two times through the order sets the tone.
• Oakland's young core: Wilson, Kurtz, and Soderstrom are players with legitimate upside. Any one of them can change a game with one swing, so the Red Sox cannot afford to let their guard down.
• Bullpen management: Late-game decisions on the road in a night contest like this can swing outcomes. Both managers will be watching pitch counts closely.

Prediction

This is a winnable road game for Boston. Sandoval has the stuff to keep the Athletics' young lineup off-balance, and the Red Sox offense should find enough against Lopez to build a lead. The late start and cross-country travel are real factors, but the Sox have the roster depth to handle a night game in Sacramento. Look for Boston to take care of business, 5-3.