Martin Perez (7-8, 4.22 ERA) and Ross Detwiler (1-0, 2.13 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (69-50) and the Oakland Athletics (52-66) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on CSCA and FSSW.
Perez pitched 5.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out three and walking two in a 5-4 win over the Rockies. Detwiler went 8.0 innings, surrendering zero runs and striking out two in a 1-0 win over the Orioles in his most recent start. Khris Davis (.254, 58 Rs, 30 HRs, 75 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Athletics, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Texas is a -160 favorite against Oakland and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at 10 runs. The Rangers have recorded an overall money line of +2,455 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 30-18. Texas has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 10-7 and 29-19 records as the favorite and SU, respectively. The Rangers have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in offense with 4.7 runs per game. The Rangers are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.0 per game. Texas’s batters do not strike out very often, with only 7.5 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Oakland has a 35-43 record and an overall money line of -950. They are 17-15 as the underdog against AL West opponents, and 22-25 SU. Offensively, the Athletics have really picked up the pace in division games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.0 runs per game by averaging 4.4 in those contests. The Athletics are tough outs for opponents, ranking third in the AL with 9.2 hits per road game. Oakland is excellent at making contact with just 6.7 strikeouts per game, ranking second in the AL.
The Athletics lead the season series, 6-4. The Rangers have a 17-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Detwiler takes the mound. Perez (LHP) will be on the hill against the Athletics, who have a 13-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX, O/U – Over
Notes
Oakland has won 39% (18-28) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Texas has won 58% (32-23) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Athletics are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Rangers have a record of 17-9 when opponents’ pitchers have five strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 35-12. The Rangers have a 45-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th, Oakland sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 474 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 554.
Texas and Oakland both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Texas sits at 27th with 307 this season and Oakland ranks 29th with 294.
The Rangers are 57-33 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Athletics are 40-36 when they hit at least one homer.
