We’re looking at a one-sided series this weekend. Houston is obviously the better team, and they’re playing well, as they’ve gone 8-2 in their last ten games. They’ve had timely hitting, and the pitching staff has been phenomenal.
Let’s preview all three games of the weekend tilt so you can get all set to make your bets against their MLB Odds.
A Lopsided Weekend Series in the American League West – Astros v A’s
Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics Series Preview
The Houston Astros are looking to run away from the rest of the American League West. They currently lead the division by 13 games.
They have the second-best record in the American League, and they have been on a roll. They’ve been playing great baseball, as their pitching staff has been nearly unhittable over the past few games.
The Astros will head to Oakland for a weekend series with the Oakland Athletics. These two teams find themselves on opposite ends of the standings.
The A’s are in last place in the American League West, sitting 26.5 games behind the Astros in the standings. Oakland has the worst record in baseball at this time as well. They’ve gone 2-8 in their last ten games.
After an offseason where the A’s shipped off most of their top players, it’s obvious that they’re in rebuilding mode, and they will be willing to trade any of their serviceable players at or near the trade deadline for young prospects. With a stadium that very few people choose to attend, the A’s really don’t have anything to play for other than the future.
Friday Night’s Matchup
Oakland’s best starting pitcher, Paul Blackburn, will take the mound. Blackburn has been very good this season. Blackburn is 6-3 with a 2.90 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. When he is on the mound, the A’s can be confident.
Houston will send Jose Urquidy to the hill. Urquidy is 7-3 with a 4.15 ERA this season. He looked great in his last outing, beating the Angels while striking out eight in his six innings of work.
Saturday Afternoon Clash
On Saturday, the Astros will have Framber Valdez on the bump. Valdez has been one of the top pitchers in the American League this season. With an 8-3 record, 93 strikeouts, and a 2.67 ERA, he has been stellar.
Oakland has yet to decide who they’ll start against Valdez and the Astros. We could see someone called up from AAA, or it could be a bullpen day.
The Series Finale
This will be Jake Odorizzi’s second start back since returning from injury for the Astros. He gave up nine hits and five earned runs in four innings against the Royals in his first start since May. We’ll see if getting to pitch against Oakland will help him get back into form.
Oakland is slated to start Cole Irvin on Sunday, but he could be moved up. With the injury to Frankie Montas, the A’s could be making some changes in the rotation. Irvin has had some tough luck this season, especially when it comes to run support.
He’s 3-6, but his ERA is only 3.35, and his WHIP is only 1.15. We’ll see if Oakland can finally give him some run support.
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