Chris Bassitt (1-4, 2.64 ERA) gets the start for the Oakland Athletics (50-62) as they go up against Mike Fiers (5-9, 4.17 ERA) and the Houston Astros (61-51) in the last of a four-game series at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics won the last game 2-1 and Oakland leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 9 and will air on CSCA and RTSW.
In his most recent outing, Bassitt pitched 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-0 victory over the Orioles. Josh Reddick (.281, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 58 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Astros were unsuccessful to the Rangers 12-9 the last time Fiers pitched. He went 5.0 innings, giving up six runs, striking out six and walking three. George Springer (.264, 43 Rs, 13 HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one stolen base.
Oakland, a +108 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Houston. Oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at seven runs. The Athletics perform poorly as an underdog with an 18-30 record and have an overall money line of -2,162. Over the last 10 games, they have performed poorly when playing as the underdog (2-5). Within their division, Oakland’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 4.6 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.1. As for the pitching staff, the Athletics are third in the AL in hits allowed with just 8.0 per game.
On the other side, the Astros have a record of 35-24 when they are favored and are +665 overall with the money line. Against divisional opponents, they are 28-21 SU and 12-13 as the favorite. Houston is the top home-run-hitting team in the league with 155 home runs. The Astros have racked up 84 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have the lowest ERA in the AL at 3.46. They have a WHIP of 1.19 on the year, good for third in the league.
The Astros have mostly come out on top against the Athletics in their previous 12 games this season, earning a 7-5 record. This game will feature Fiers (RHP) on the mound against the Athletics, who have a 40-41 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Astros will be the right-hander Bassitt. They sport a 39-31 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
The Astros lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Athletics are 12-26. The Astros are 15-18 in close games this season.
The Athletics managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are coming in with a 14-8 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Athletics have a slight leg up on the Astros, as the Athletics have won their last two games while the Astros have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 38-13. The Astros have a 44-13 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th in runs, Oakland has earned 458 this season. Houston ranks third with 495 runs.
Ranking 12th, Oakland is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 321 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 340.
The Athletics are 32-25 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Astros are 50-31 when they hit at least one homer.
