In the first of a three-game series between the Oakland Athletics (58-78) and the Houston Astros (75-62) at O.co Coliseum, Felix Doubront (2-1, 3.99 ERA) and Mike Fiers (7-9, 3.54 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 4:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 7 and will air on CSCA and RTSW.
In his most recent outing, Doubront pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out five and walking four in an 11-5 victory over the Angels. The Astros were victorious over the Twins 4-1 the last time Fiers pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out five and walking three. Carlos Correa (.282, 38 Rs, 16 HRs, 46 RBIs, 11 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Astros, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Oakland is a +126 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Athletics have a losing record of 26-42 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -2,776. They are 2-5 as the underdog over their last 10 games. Oakland has averaged 4.7 runs per game during divisional play, higher than its season average of 4.2. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Oakland pitchers. The Athletics have given up an average of 6.5 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.2 runs per game. The Athletics are fourth in the AL in hits allowed with just 8.3 per game.
On the other side, the Astros have a record of 45-34 when they are favored and are +573 overall with the money line. Against divisional foes, they are 29-25 SU and 13-17 as the favorite. Houston is one of the top home-run-hitting teams in the league with 185 home runs. The Astros have racked up 101 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The Astros are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an AL-low 3.28 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.18 on the year, good for second in the league.
The Astros have mostly come out on top against the Athletics in their previous 13 games this season, earning a 7-6 record. This game will feature Fiers (RHP) on the mound against the Athletics, who have a 46-50 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Doubront will take the mound against the Astros, who have a 26-21 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
Oakland won its last game in a shutout, its 14th of the season. Houston has been shut out nine times this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Athletics are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Astros have a 13-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 8-50. The Astros have a 13-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Oakland ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 112 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at second with 185.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Oakland ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.74.
Ranking 23rd, Oakland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.706). Houston ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .733.
The Astros are 27-42 when they allow at least one home run. The Athletics perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 21-59 record.
