SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Gage Jump #61 of the Athletics prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park on August 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Athletics have lost nine straight after getting blown out 13-1 by the Boston Red Sox in last nights series opener. At 45-71, the As are tied for the worst record in the league. It wasnt long ago that the team was sitting at .500, highlighting just how swift and extreme this collapse has been. This afternoon, the As will look to stop the bleeding and avoid dropping their 10th in a row. Left-hander Gage Jump will get the start for the Green and Gold. The 23-year-old enters his 14th start of the season with a 4-7 record, a 4.59 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 73 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings pitched. The clubs top pitching prospect got off to a strong start, showcasing his tantalizing stuff during a dominant stretch to begin his major league career. However, Jump has struggled recently, perhaps running into a rookie wall as opposing teams have figured out how to attack the southpaw. In Jumps last outing against the Detroit Tigers, he took the loss after allowing six runs on four hits and six walks over just 3 2/3 innings. The start before that, he dominated these Red Sox hitters in Sacramento, striking out seven over six scoreless innings. If the Athletics want to win a baseball game, they will need Jump to replicate that performance at Fenway Park, although the Red Sox will have a better idea of what to expect from the left-hander. A quality start would go a long way, especially after right-hander Jack Perkins short and poor start yesterday forced the team to ask more out of its struggling bullpen.Speaking of the bullpen, the As shook things up down there.We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/f9XfyGszqh Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026Hayden Juenger returns to Triple-A after allowing four runs on five hits in the fourth inning of the series opener. Fellow right-handed reliever Yunior Tur takes his spot in the bullpen, looking to make the most of his second chance in the big leagues. It can only go up from here for Tur, who allowed 14 runs in his first two major league appearances a couple of weeks ago. Heres the Athletics lineup for this contest:Jump on the mound pic.twitter.com/CYTpf0zjbS Athletics (@Athletics) August 8, 2026The Athletics will need more offense today, as keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard will be a tall task for the pitching staff. For the third consecutive day, both of the teams catchers are in the lineup, with Brian Serven taking over behind the plate. Center fielder Henry Boltes speed and shortstop Jacob Wilsons contact ability give the As a dynamic duo atop the lineup, but they have to actually get on base to make an impact. Meanwhile, will Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy continue being automatic outs, or will the two hitters finally make a positive impact for the team?For the second straight day, As hitters will face a talented, young Red Sox left-hander whose stellar performance has been a significant factor in the teams success. Jake Bennett enters his 13th start of the season with a 7-4 record, a 2.90 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings pitched. Bennett opposed Jump when these two teams squared off at the As home ballpark. In that game, the lone As win of the four-game series, the Red Sox left-hander took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. This afternoon, Bennett will look to replicate the performance of his teammate Payton Tolle, who struck out 14 over six innings last night, while the As will look to beat him once again. And Bostons starting nine:UPDATED: Jones DHRafaela CFDurbin 3BContreras 1BMonasterio SSWhite RFSogard 2BDuran LFWong CBennett P Red Sox (@RedSox) August 8, 2026It is time to put an end to this misery and halt the Red Soxs dream run. Lets go As!Follow the Game:Watch:Athletics NBCSCANational FS1Listen:Athletics Talk 650 KSTE, As Cast