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Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024
Time: 4:07 p.m. ET
Arena: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Hey there, baseball fans! If you’re as thrilled about the MLB season as I am, then you’re in for a treat with the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics. Let’s dive into this matchup, breaking down the key factors and players that could influence the outcome. And stick around, because by the end, I’ll explain why predicting under 9 total runs for this game is a smart move.
The Oakland Athletics: Riding the Wave of Success
The Oakland Athletics have been on a roll lately, especially when playing at home. They’re on the brink of sweeping the Angels at home for the first time since 1991. In their recent games, the A’s showcased impressive offensive firepower, racking up 25 hits and four home runs in just two games.
Key Players to Watch:
- Max Schuemann: This guy has been on fire, going 4-for-6 with two doubles, a homer, five RBIs, and five runs in the past two games.
- Lawrence Butler: Not far behind, Butler has gone 5-for-8, including a double, a triple, and five RBIs.
- Miguel Andujar: Adding to the offensive surge, Andujar has collected five hits, including a double.
These players have been instrumental in Oakland’s recent victories, and their performance will be crucial in this game.
Starting Pitcher: Joey Estes
Joey Estes is slated to start for the A’s, bringing a 4-4 record with a 5.29 ERA. His standout performance against the Angels earlier this month, where he pitched a five-hit shutout, was a key factor in their win. In his two career starts against the Angels, Estes boasts a 1.23 ERA, making him a significant threat to the Angels’ lineup.
The Los Angeles Angels: Struggling Without Their Star
The Angels have had a tough series against the A’s, and things aren’t looking too rosy for them. The absence of their star player, Mike Trout, who’s on injury rehab, has been a significant blow. Trout’s return is eagerly awaited, but for now, the team must push through without him.
Key Players:
- Mike Trout: While not playing, Trout is a crucial factor to consider. His absence leaves a gap that the Angels have struggled to fill.
- Carson Fulmer: The right-hander will be starting for the Angels, coming off an impressive outing where he threw 4 2/3 no-hit innings against Seattle. His season stats show a 0-2 record with a 3.45 ERA. Against the A’s, Fulmer has a career record of 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA.
Breaking Down the Batting Averages
Looking at the batting averages gives us insight into each team’s offensive capabilities. The Athletics have been hitting well, as evidenced by their recent games. The Angels, however, have struggled without Trout, affecting their overall performance.
Oakland Athletics Batting Highlights:
- Max Schuemann: 4-for-6 with two doubles, a homer, five RBIs, and five runs in the past two games.
- Lawrence Butler: 5-for-8 with a double, a triple, and five RBIs.
Los Angeles Angels Batting Highlights:
The Angels have not had standout performances comparable to the A’s recent games, indicating a potential struggle to score runs.
Top 5 MLB Prediction Models
- Fangraphs:
- Total runs prediction: 8.2
- PECOTA (Baseball Prospectus):
- Total runs prediction: 8.5
- 538 Sports:
- Total runs prediction: 7.4
- OddsTrader:
- Total runs prediction: 8.0
- Lines.com:
- Total runs prediction: 7.3
Why Under 9 Total Runs Is a Good Prediction
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of why predicting under 9 total runs makes sense for this game.
Starting Pitchers’ Impact:
- Joey Estes: With a strong past performance against the Angels and a 1.23 ERA in two starts, Estes is likely to keep the Angels’ scoring in check.
- Carson Fulmer: Fulmer’s impressive no-hit innings in his last game show he has the capability to limit the A’s scoring opportunities.
Team Batting Trends:
- Oakland Athletics: Despite their recent offensive surge, they’re up against Fulmer, who has been solid.
- Los Angeles Angels: Without Trout and facing a strong pitcher like Estes, their scoring opportunities might be limited.
Other Conditions:
- Weather: Expected to be clear, favoring pitchers.
- Injuries: The absence of Mike Trout significantly hampers the Angels’ offensive strength.
Conclusion: Encouraging Under 9 Total Runs
In summary, several factors point towards a lower-scoring game. The strong performance of the starting pitchers, the recent batting trends, and key player absences all suggest that under 9 total runs is a smart prediction. This game is shaping up to be a pitchers’ duel, with both teams having reasons to focus on their defensive strategies.
So, sit back, grab your popcorn, and enjoy what promises to be an exciting game between the Angels and the Athletics. And if you’re making a prediction, under 9 total runs is the solid choice. Happy watching!
PICK: under 9 total runs LOSE
