Sonny Gray (12-5, 2.04 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (53-70) meet Erasmo Ramirez (10-4, 3.57 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (61-61) in the second of a three-game series at O.co Coliseum. The Rays won the last game 2-1 and Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 9:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22 and will air on CSCA, SUN and MLBN.
In his last start, Gray pitched 5.2 innings, allowing one, striking out five and walking two in a 4-2 loss to the Orioles. Ben Zobrist (.288, 53 Rs, 10 HRs, 46 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. The Rays were victorious over the Astros 9-2 the last time Ramirez pitched. He went 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking two. Steven Souza Jr. (.214, 47 Rs, 15 HRs, 34 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with two runs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Athletics rank fourth in the AL in ERA with a 3.63 team average. The Athletics don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fourth in the AL with only 8.1 hits allowed per game.
The Rays are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.61 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.20 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
In their previous five games this season, the Rays have a 3-2 record. This game will feature Ramirez (RHP) on the mound against the Athletics, who have a 42-45 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Rays will be the right-hander Gray. They sport a 39-47 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Under
Notes
Oakland has won 41% (21-30) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 50% (24-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Athletics have a 1-5 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Athletics are 41-17. The Rays have a 43-17 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 453 this season. Oakland ranks 16th with 494 runs.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 325 this season. Oakland ranks in the top half at 12th with 349.
When the Athletics hit at least one home run, they are 33-30, well-matched with the Rays who are 44-32 when hitting one or more homers.
