Sean Manaea (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Mike Fiers (2-1, 5.73 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Oakland Athletics (11-12) and the Houston Astros (7-15) at O.C. Coliseum. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 29 and can be seen on RTSW and CSCA.
This is the first start for Manaea this season. Josh Reddick (.275, 9 Rs, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Fiers went 5.1 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking two in an 8-3 win over the Red Sox in his last outing. Jose Altuve (.330, 20 Rs, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 5 Wednesday with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Oakland and Houston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Oakland has a record of 1-5 SU. The Athletics have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Oakland’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
The Astros are 3-3 against AL West foes. Offensively, the Astros have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Astros are an excellent base stealing team with 18 stolen bases, ranking second in the MLB. The Astros allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Oakland is 5-4, while Houston is 1-8.
The Astros are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Athletics have a record of 3-4 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 5-3. The Athletics have a 9-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Oakland has earned 81 this season. Houston ranks 15th with 86 runs.
Ranking 25th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 58 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 77.
When the Athletics hit at least one home run, they are 8-7. When the Astros hit at least one homer, they have a 6-11 record.
