Sonny Gray (12-4, 2.06 ERA) gets the start for the Oakland Athletics (51-68) as they go up against Chris Tillman (8-7, 4.66 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (60-56) in the last of a four-game series at Camden Yards. The Athletics lost the last game 18-2, extending a six-game losing streak. Baltimore can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 17 and will air on CSCA and MASN.
In his last start, Tillman pitched 2.1 innings, giving up five runs and striking out two in a 6-5 loss to the Mariners. Chris Davis (.261, 68 Rs, 34 HRs, 89 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and one RBI. The Athletics were victorious over the Astros 3-1 the last time Gray pitched. He went 9.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out five. Ben Zobrist (.280, 47 Rs, 9 HRs, 42 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Baltimore, a -120 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Oakland. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Orioles have a 37-26 record and overall money line at +nine. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (4-1). The Orioles rank fourth in the majors in home runs with 155.
Switching gears, the Athletics come into this game with a weak win percentage of .364 when playing as the underdog (20-35) and an overall money line of -2,442. They have played poorly as the underdog as of late. They managed a 2-7 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 3-7. The Oakland pitching staff has been an intimidating group on the road this year, averaging 7.6 strikeouts per game.
The Orioles had the upper hand against the Athletics in their previous six games this season, earning a 5-1 record. The Orioles will take on a right-hander (Gray) in this game and have a 42-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Tillman will take the mound against the Athletics, who have a 42-44 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Oak, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Baltimore is 24-16, while Oakland is 21-30.
The Oakland batters brought in a solid nine hits last game. Baltimore has a record of 19-29 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 7-45. The Orioles have a 10-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Oakland ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 94 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 155.
Baltimore and Oakland both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Baltimore sits at 10th with 8.51 hits per game and Oakland ranks eighth with 8.60.
Ranking 23rd, Oakland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.697). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .741.
The Athletics are 17-49 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Orioles are 33-39 when they allow at least one homer.
