A’S VS GIANTS BETTING PREVIEW, PICKS AND PREDICTIONS
Giants Continue Growth
This evening we fans get another premium matchup of inter-conference baseball, as the Oakland Athletics are set to face off against the San Francisco Giants for the conclusion of their three-game series. The #1 team in baseball is heading into this matchup with a head of steam while the Athletics have struggled as of late. Can the Oakland Athletics steal one on the road, or will the Giants defend their home turf with a victory?
Can Cole Reach His Goal?
Cole Irvin will be taking the mound for the Athletics today, and while he’s not the most skillful pitcher in the world, he does have some effective starts. Irvin’s K/9 of 6.3 is low, but his BB/9 of 1.56 and 1.28 WHIP are highly effective in limiting damage on his bad pitches.
Against most teams, I would consider a plus as a starter facing an inexperienced pitcher, but the problem is his style of pitching. He is the definition of a contact pitcher, and if he is going to be having the San Francisco Giants make contact often, that should not bear well for this Oakland Athletics team.
Giants & Athletics Trending In Reverse
While the San Francisco Giants have absolutely dominated in their past seven contests and are 6-1 during this span, averaging an insane 6.8 runs per game and surrendering a mere 3.42 runs in these contests, it’s clear this team is ready for the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Athletics are not doing so hot at the moment. In the last seven games, the team is 2-5 and can’t seem to pick up any momentum. They have averaged a decent 4,28 runs per game while surrendering 4.42 runs per game during this span. It’s quite an average stat line, but the team is not doing anything special during these games to get to the ultimate goal they’re trying to reach.
Sammy Show
Sammy Long is a pitcher with only a 1-0 record and a 4.20 ERA through three starts, but there is more than meets the eye. Through 15 innings pitched, Long has an impressive 9.6 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and a scorchingly low 0.87 WHIP. The 2016 1st round pick has flashed brightness through his first three starts, and I believe he continues to build upon that today. He has to just focus on one flaw, and that is giving up the long ball. If Long could continue his limiting of baserunners while making sure that batters aren’t in a position to smack his pitches out of the park, he should come away with his second victory of the season today.
The Pick
BetOnline has the odds set at (insert odds) for the favorite San Francisco Giants and (insert odds) for the underdog Oakland Athletics. With an undervaluation of Long’s ability here, San Francisco is the pick with the best value.
OSB Official Pick: San Francisco Giants
MLB
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Current odds brought to you by BetOnline.
