Kendall Graveman (6-9, 4.27 ERA) and Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 3.02 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Oakland Athletics (53-71) and the Tampa Bay Rays (62-61) at O.co Coliseum. The Rays won the last game 5-4 and Tampa Bay leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23 and can be seen on CSCA and SUN.
Graveman pitched 3.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out four and walking one in an 18-2 defeat to the Orioles. Ben Zobrist (.287, 53 Rs, 10 HRs, 46 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 5 yesterday. Odorizzi went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out nine and walking one in a 3-2 defeat to the Astros in his last outing. Logan Forsythe (.281, 52 Rs, 14 HRs, 52 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Rays, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Oakland and Tampa Bay are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs. Opposing offenses have been stifled by the Athletics, who have a team ERA of only 3.61. The Athletics are the fourth-best team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.1 hits per game so far this season.
Tampa Bay’s pitching staff is one of the top in the AL, with a 3.59 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Rays are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.20 for the season.
The Rays lead the season series, 4-2. The Athletics have a 42-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Odorizzi takes the mound. Graveman (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rays, who have a 40-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Under
Notes
Oakland has won 40% (21-31) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 51% (25-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Athletics have a 24-36 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 7-46. The Rays have a 13-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Oakland has hit 98 this season. Tampa Bay ranks 16th with 115 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.28 per game. Oakland ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.59.
Oakland and Tampa Bay both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Oakland sits at 24th with an OPS of .696 and Tampa Bay ranks 21st with an OPS of .703.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 29-46, well-matched with the Athletics who are 19-52 when allowing at least one homer.
