Expectations for the Oakland Athletics were not exactly high entering the season but the A’s have already shown that they are moving in the right direction. The A’s, owners of one of the top five offenses in baseball, will send ace Sean Manaea to the bump to face the Houston Astros and Dallas Keuchel on Friday. With this three-game set, the A’s have the opportunity to prove that the future is closer than we all thought.
- Dallas Keuchel had a 1.98 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 4 starts vs the Athletics last season.
- The last 6 pitchers to throw a no-hitter went 6-0 SU in their next start.
- The Athletics are 7-19 SU in their last 26 games against the Astros.
Manaea might arguably be the best pitcher in baseball so far this season. The third-year southpaw has a 1.23 ERA, a 0.60 WHIP and a 1.7 WAR – tied for first among all pitchers. If you didn’t know who Manaea was, you likely do after his last start, as the A’s pitcher tossed the first no-hitter of the season while throwing 10 strikeouts to just two walks.
Keuchel has been solid for the Astros this year, allowing three or fewer runs in all five of his starts, and appears to have fixed some control issues that plagued him. The lefty has allowed just three walks in his last two starts, compared to the nine batters he gave a free pass to through his first three. Keuchel dominated the A’s last season, posting a 1.98 ERA in four starts against Oakland.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the visiting Oakland Athletics before the first pitch in this match found them as +178 moneyline underdogs earlier today at Sportsbook. They saw the OVER/UNDER total of 8 earlier at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer score prediction models pick a possible 3.9-2.8 win for the Athletics on Friday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Oakland Athletics vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Houston Astros bring a 17-9 record to the battle against the 13-12 Athletics. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Oakland injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show the Astros rated this week at No. 3 and the Athletics sitting at No. 7.
Statistical Matchup
At the plate, Houston owns the No. 10 ranking for hits at 8.65 per game. By contrast, Oakland is rated No. 4 in the same category at 9.32 per game.
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and the Astros have the No. 1-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Athletics own the No. 18 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Oakland suffered a 4-2 loss against Texas on Wednesday, as Kendall Graveman wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Globe Life Park.
Houston rolled to a 5-2 win against Los Angeles on Wednesday, as Justin Verlander and the Astros' bats led the team to victory at Minute Maid Park.
- Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
- Oakland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
- Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
- Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
- Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
- Houston is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Oakland at Houston, Saturday, April 28
