In a game that could be a shootout, Justin Masterson (2-1, 5.18 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (15-17) are in Oakland to square off against Drew Pomeranz (1-3, 5.12 ERA) and the Athletics (12-22). This is the second of a three-game series at O.C. Coliseum. The Athletics lost the last game 5-4, continuing a six-game losing streak. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 12 and can be seen on NESN and CSN-CA.
Pomeranz is 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his appearances against the Red Sox, and goes up against a below-average Boston offense which is batting just .234 this season. Josh Reddick (.323, 16 Rs, 5 HRs, 22 RBIs, 2 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Masterson is 2-7 with a 6.61 ERA when pitching against the Athletics. He takes on a quality Oakland offense which is hitting .260 this season. Pablo Sandoval (.302, 16 Rs, 4 HRs, 15 RBIs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Oakland is a slim -108 favorite at home against Boston. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. The Athletics have recorded an overall money line of -1,256 and have shown a weak performance as a favorite this season with a record of 7-13. The Athletics have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the AL in home offense with 5.4 runs per game. The Athletics are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.1 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Boston has a 5-6 record and an overall money line of -629. Offensively, the Red Sox have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.3 runs per game by averaging 2.6 during that stretch. Boston is excellent at drawing walks with an AL-best 3.9 per game.
The Red Sox have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Athletics have an 11-16 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Masterson takes the mound. Pomeranz (LHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 3-3 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – OAK, O/U – Over
Notes
Oakland is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games,.
Oakland is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games, at home.
Oakland 15-6-1 SU in its last 22 games when playing Boston.
Oakland 11-2-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Boston.
When leading after 7 innings, Boston is 7-8, while Oakland is 5-14.
The Athletics managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are coming in with a 4-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
The Red Sox are coming into the game with two consecutive wins, while the Athletics currently have a losing streak of six.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 10-6. The Red Sox have an 11-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th in runs, Boston has earned 140 this season. Oakland ranks fifth with 157 runs.
Ranking 16th, Oakland is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 95 this season. Boston ranks in the top five at second with 127.
When the Athletics hit at least one home run, they are 9-10. When the Red Sox hit at least one homer, they have an 11-11 record.
