The Houston Astros (41-30) and the Oakland A's (29-44) are set to kick off a 4-game series this Monday at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. With the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET, baseball fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds. Let's dive into the odds, predictions, and key insights for this series opener.
Astros' Momentum vs. A's Recent Success
The Astros are riding a wave of confidence after sweeping the Minnesota Twins in a 3-game series at home. Their latest victory, a nail-biting 2-1 win in 10 innings on Sunday, saw Mauricio Dubón delivering a walk-off hit after Victor Caratini's game-tying sacrifice fly in the ninth. Houston has won five straight games, showcasing their strong form.
Meanwhile, the A's are coming off a sweep of their own against the Kansas City Royals. Their Sunday finale was a thrilling 3-2 victory as +132 underdogs. Overcoming a 2-0 deficit, Austin Wynns' 2-run homer in the sixth and Nick Kurtz's go-ahead solo shot in the ninth highlighted their resilience. ESPN Analytics gave them only a 15.4% win probability when trailing, making their comeback even more impressive.
Projected Starters: McCullers Jr. vs. Spence (Likely)
The Astros are expected to send RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 4.91 ERA) to the mound for his eighth start of the season. McCullers has shown flashes of brilliance, boasting a 12.0 K/9 rate. In his last start, he took the loss against the Chicago White Sox, allowing 4 ER in 5 IP. Notably, he has a stellar 0.00 ERA in three road starts this season.
The A's have yet to officially announce their starter, but RHP Mitch Spence (2-1, 3.67 ERA) is a likely candidate. Spence has been a reliable option, with a 1.20 WHIP. In his last outing, he pitched 5 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels.
Key Stats and Series History
- Season series: Astros lead 2-0
- McCullers' career vs. A's: 7-3, 3.32 ERA in 15 starts
With the Astros' strong offense and McCullers' potential, they enter as favorites. However, the A's have proven they can pull off upsets. This series promises exciting baseball.