Overview
The Houston Astros head into Oakland for a three game series with division rivals the Oakland Athletics. This has been a fairly even series this season the Astros did win 7 of 8 meetings at one point but they have lost the last 3 in a row.
Head to Head Trends
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Oakland.
Oakland 3-0 in the last 3 meetings.
Houston Astros (-125)
The Houston Astros are 1st in the American League West 3 games ahead of the 2nd place Texas Rangers. The Astros looked like they had the division rapped up a while ago but they just haven’t been as good in the second half of the season as they were in the first and combine that with the Rangers who have been one of the hotter teams in the league over the last moth or so and we have a pretty good race in the West.
On the hill for the Astros today is Mike Fiers who is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 4 starts since being traded from the Brewers at the trade deadline. Fiers has been pretty impressive with the Astros he actually threw a no hitter a couple starts back so looks like a great pickup by the Astros.
Houston Astros Trends
Astros are 16-36 in their last 52 road games.
Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Oakland Athletics (+115)
The Oakland Athletics are last in the American League West a full 17 games out of 1st place. The Athletics are not only last in the West but at 58-79 they also have the worst record in the entire American League. Looks like the Athletics have packed it in for the season they have lost 17 of their last 25 games including their last 5 in a row.
Taking the mound for the Athletics today is lefty Felix Doubront who is 2-1 with a 3.99 ERA in three starts and a couple of relief appearances since coming over from the Blue Jays about a month ago. Doubront had one good start for Oakland but that’s about it he’s been fairly bad for the most part.
Oakland Athletics Trends
Athletics are 0-5 in their last 5 overall.
Athletics are 7-19 in their last 26 games following a loss.
Conclusion
I like the Houston Astros over the Athletics in this one. I think the Astros have a huge pitching advantage with Fiers over Doubront plus the Athletics have just been really bad of late.
Free Pick: Houston Astros -125
