In a game that could be a shootout, Wade Miley (7-9, 5.08 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (63-48) are in Oakland to take on Zach Neal (1-1, 5.25 ERA) and the Athletics (49-63). This is the second of a four-game series at O.C. Coliseum. The Athletics won the last game 3-2, and Oakland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and can be seen on MAS2 and CSCA.
Neal pitched 2.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs and striking out two in an 8-6 win over the Angels. Khris Davis (.251, 54 Rs, 27 HRs, 69 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Miley went 5.0 innings, surrendering four runs and striking out five in a 5-3 defeat to the Rangers in his most recent start. Manny Machado (.307, 77 Rs, 26 HRs, 69 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Baltimore takes on Oakland as a -150 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Athletics have an overall money line of -1,087 and a record as the underdog of 33-41. The Athletics have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 3.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.0 runs per game. Oakland’s batters do not strike out very often at home, with only 6.5 per game.
In the other locker room, Baltimore is coming in with an overall money line of +1,386 and an impressive record of 42-19 as the favorite. Offensively, they average 4.7 runs per game, which is good for fifth in the AL. The Orioles are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the AL with 9.1 hits per game.
The Athletics have a 12-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Miley takes the mound. Neal (RHP) will be on the hill against the Orioles, who have a 46-35 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL, O/U – Over
Notes
Oakland has won 41% (18-26) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Baltimore has won 62% (29-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Orioles need to step it up. The Athletics have a record of 29-7 when opponents get seven hits or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 33-11. The Orioles have a 41-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 452 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 524.
Ranking 28th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 281 this season. Baltimore ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 323.
When the Athletics hit at least one home run, they are 39-33. When the Orioles hit at least one homer, they have a 51-31 record.
