GAME:  #925 A’s @ #926 Astros
DATE:    8/28/2020 – 9:10 pm EST
ODDS:  A’s +110 / Astros -130
O/U:       9

The Houston Astros (17-14) host the Oakland A’s  (22-10) at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The A’s just beat the Rangers in 2 out of 3 games at Texas while the Astros won 2 of 3 games against the Angels. These teams played 3 games in Oakland this season and the A’s swept to take all 3 by scores of 3-2, 3-1, 7-2. 

OAKLAND A’S

The A’s have right-hander Chris Bassitt listed as the probable pitcher. Bassitt is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Bassitt has pitched in 33.1 innings and has given up 27 hits, 13 runs, 3 home runs, 9 walks, and 28 strikeouts. Bassitt got the win against Houston back on August 7th. The A’s have a career .306 against McCullers, Jr with Matt Chapman’s .375, Semien’s .438, and Piscotty’s .429 leading the team. 

HOUSTON ASTROS

The Astros have righty Lance McCullers Jr listed to start game 1. McCullers Jr is 2-2 with a 5.74 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. McCullers Jr has appeared in 6 games and has pitched 31.1 innings allowing 29 hits, 20 runs, 3 home runs, 12 walks, and 25 strikeouts. The Astros have a career batting average of .235 against Bassitt. 

BATTER VS PITCHER  (dailybaseballdata.com)

TRENDS (covers.com) 

OAKLAND

• Under is 5-0 in Athletics last 5 games as an underdog.
• Under is 4-0 in Athletics’ last 4 games as a road underdog.
• Athletics are 6-0 in Bassitts last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Athletics are 5-0 in Bassitts last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.

HOUSTON

• Over is 5-0 in Astros last 5 games following an off day.
• Astros are 0-8 in McCullers Jr.s last 8 starts with 6 days of rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

• Athletics are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

A’S VS ASTROS PREDICTION

The A’s have been playing better than most MLB teams this season.  They have a consistent starting rotation and an even better bullpen. Oakland looks to get ahead early and shut it down late. In the last 5 games, the Astros have a batting average of .167 against right-handed pitching. Oakland swept the Astros earlier this season as facing McCullers, the trend should continue. The Astros are banged up with several players questionable or out with injuries but the biggest blows have come to the bullpen. The Astros bullpen has a 7.85 ERA.  The Bookie rolling with the A’s while the public is also slightly leaning A’s and the sharps are on Oakland as well. 

The Bookie:         Oakland +110
Fade the Public:  Houston
Sharp Action:      Oakland

2 Units to win 2.2 Units on:  (#925) Oakland +110

BONUS ACTION

8:40 pm EST
(#921) Padres -105
2.1 Units to win 2 Units