In a game that could be a shootout, Wade LeBlanc (1-0, 4.71 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (61-54) are in Oakland to square off against Zach Neal (2-1, 4.60 ERA) and the Athletics (52-65). This is the last of a three-game series at O.C. Coliseum. The Mariners won the last game 4-3, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 14 and can be seen on CSCA and RTNW.
Neal pitched 5.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run and striking out one in a 2-1 win over the Orioles. Khris Davis (.252, 57 Rs, 29 HRs, 73 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. LeBlanc went 5.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking three in a 6-5 win over the Tigers in his last outing. Nelson Cruz (.285, 65 Rs, 29 HRs, 73 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Mariners, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Seattle takes on Oakland as a -130 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Athletics have an overall money line of -950 and a record as the underdog of 35-43. Within its division, Oakland has a 5-10 as the underdog and a 22-25 SU. The Athletics have seen an uptick in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 4.4 runs per game. They average 4.0 runs per game on the season.
In games where it is the favorite, Seattle has a 34-29 record and an overall money line of +157. They have managed to pull off a perfect record over their last ten games playing as the favorite, and have an 8-2 SU record over the same span. The Mariners allow just 4.3 runs per game, ranking them fourth in the AL. When it comes to issuing walks, the Mariners have the fifth-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.9 walks allowed per game.
The Mariners lead the season series, 6-5. The Athletics have a 13-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when LeBlanc takes the mound. Neal (RHP) will be on the hill against the Mariners, who have a 44-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA, O/U – Over
Notes
In their last game, the Mariners won by a margin of one run. The Athletics are 19-18 in one-run games. The Mariners have a 20-21 record in close games.
The Athletics are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Mariners have an 18-30 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 13-52. The Mariners have a 13-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 20th in home runs, Oakland has hit 126 this season. Seattle ranks third with 162 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Oakland is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.47 per game. Seattle ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.80.
Ranking 28th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.706). Seattle ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .759.
When the Mariners allow at least one home run, they are 40-44. When the Athletics allow one or more homers, they have a 25-53 record.
