Kendall Graveman (1-2, 4.03 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (13-13) go up against Nathan Karns (2-1, 3.63 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (13-11) in the first of a three-game division series at O.C. Coliseum. The game starts at 10:05 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 2 and will air on CSCA and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Graveman pitched 4.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out four and walking one in a 7-3 loss to the Tigers. Marcus Semien (.207, 9 Rs, 6 HRs, 11 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Mariners were victorious the last time Karns pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking three in an 11-1 victory over the Astros. Seth Smith (.317, 13 Rs, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Mariners, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Athletics have a SU record of 7-8 against teams in their division. Oakland has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. Oakland’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against divisional rivals, the Mariners are 5-4 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Mariners are one of the top pitching staffs in the AL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game. They also allow just 6.7 hits per road game, good for third in the AL.
The previous three games have all gone Oakland’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
Oakland has won 50% (5-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 62% (5-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Mariners are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Athletics have a 5-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mariners are 9-3. The Athletics have an 11-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd in runs, Oakland has earned 91 this season. Seattle ranks 16th with 101 runs.
Ranking 27th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 63 this season. Seattle ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 87.
The Athletics are 9-7 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Mariners are 12-7 when they hit at least one homer.
