Allen Webster (1-1, 6.86 ERA) and Jesse Chavez (7-13, 4.00 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (63-66) and the Oakland Athletics (56-74) at Chase Field. The Athletics won the last game 3-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30 and can be seen on CSCA and FSAZ.
Webster pitched 2.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out one and walking two in an 8-3 defeat to the Nationals. Chavez went 4.2 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out three and walking two in a 6-5 defeat to the Mariners in his last outing. Stephen Vogt (.264, 50 Rs, 17 HRs, 66 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Arizona is a -145 favorite against Oakland and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Diamondbacks have an overall money line of +170 and a record as the favorite of 26-24. Arizona is an impressive 3-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Arizona is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 110 bases.
As for their opponent, Oakland is coming in with an overall money line of -2,633 and a disappointing record of 24-40 as the underdog. Oakland is 5-5 as the underdog and 8-7 SU against National League opponents. Offensively, the Athletics have really picked up the pace in interleague games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.1 runs per game by averaging 4.9 in those contests. The Athletics allow 4.0 runs per game, but does better whenever an NL opponent is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 3.5 against teams from the NL. The Athletics have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 7.5 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Diamondbacks have a 49-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Chavez takes the mound. Webster (RHP) will be on the hill against the Athletics, who have a 44-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Arizona is 24-21, while Oakland is 23-32.
The Athletics are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Diamondbacks have a 21-35 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 43-19. The Diamondbacks have a 45-17 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 15th in runs, Oakland has earned 531 this season. Arizona ranks fourth with 580 runs.
Ranking 14th, Oakland is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 367 this season. Arizona ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 391.
The Diamondbacks are 45-24 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Athletics are 35-34 when they hit at least one homer.
