A's vs Guardians: Division Battle

0:00It's May 1st. This is MLB News Today Baseball coverage powered by AI. The athletics are kicking off a weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians Friday night at Sutter Health Park, running through Sunday. The A's are rolling, having swept their last three series while dropping just one game each to Seattle, Texas and Kansas City, putting them one point, five games ahead of the Mariners for first in the A.O. West. Meanwhile, the Guardians have dropped their last three series too, grabbing only one win against Houston, Toronto and Tampa Bay. But they're hanging. On to the AL Central League tied with Detroit at 16 and 16. Keep an eye on Cleveland's Travis Pazana, the Aussie who just debuted and is hunting his first big league hit, plus Jose Ramirez with his power. Strokes and steals, and Dango Schneeman who's batting over 320 with a hot bat, despite some strikeouts. Over on the A side, Nick Kurtz is on a 19-game walk streak tying a Ted Williams record.

1:00Shay Langeleyers is crushing it, but might get pulled. For his baby's arrival any day, and their bullpen with Joel Cunnell and Jack Perkins is locking down late innings. First pitch Friday at 6.40 p.m. Pacific could be a tight battle between the shaky divisions, but the A's momentum has them favorite to keep.