Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 3:37 PM ET
Arena: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
In the final game of a tightly contested series, the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics, each holding one win and plagued by missed opportunities, face off for the series win on Thursday afternoon. Both teams have shown resilience and the ability to come back from deficits, making this game a crucial decider in the series. Let’s delve into the details of the matchup, analyze the key players, and understand why betting on over 8 runs might be a smart choice.
Top Successful MLB Prediction Models:
- Dimoers – 8.2 Total Runs
- SportsLine – Leaning Over 8 Runs
- BetMGM – Leaning Slightly Over 8 Runs
- Forebet – 8.1 Total Runs
Series Overview
The Rockies, after a heart-wrenching loss in their first game, bounced back in dramatic fashion to secure a 4-3 victory in 12 innings on Wednesday. This series has been a testament to how evenly matched these teams are, with both playing to near deadlock over the course of 21 innings. Oakland managed a narrow 5-4 win on Tuesday, showcasing their ability to edge out tight games.
Decisive home runs have characterized both contests. Abraham Toro of the Athletics broke a tie with a solo homer in the eighth inning on Tuesday, while Ryan McMahon of the Rockies responded with a clutch two-run shot in the 12th inning on Wednesday. McMahon’s homer, his second of the series, came at a crucial moment and highlighted the power dynamics at play in this series. Of the nine runs on Tuesday, six were produced by home runs, and five of the seven on Wednesday were also the result of long balls.
Starting Pitchers
Ryan Feltner (Rockies)
Ryan Feltner, a right-hander for the Rockies, enters the series finale with a 1-4 record and a 5.69 ERA. Despite his struggles, Feltner has managed to keep home runs to a minimum, allowing just six in his nine starts this season. However, his recent form has been concerning, as he remains winless in his last six outings. His latest performance saw him give up five runs on seven hits in just four innings in a loss to San Francisco.
Feltner has yet to face the Athletics in his career, which could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the unfamiliarity might work to his advantage, but on the other, it could also mean that he might struggle to adapt quickly to Oakland’s hitters.
Joey Estes (Athletics)
Opposing Feltner is right-hander Joey Estes of the Athletics. Estes has had a roller-coaster season so far with a 1-1 record and a daunting 9.35 ERA. His two starts this year have been polar opposites; he shone against the Seattle Mariners, limiting them to two hits and one run over five innings, but faltered significantly against the Houston Astros, giving up eight runs on eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings.
Estes will be facing the Rockies for the first time in his career, similar to Feltner’s situation. His ability to bounce back from his last poor outing will be crucial for Oakland’s chances in this game.
Team Performance and Batting Averages
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have a team batting average of .241, which, while not stellar, indicates a reasonably consistent ability to get on base. Their offensive strategy has heavily relied on power hitting, as evidenced by the number of home runs that have determined their recent games. However, their pitching has been less reliable, with a team ERA of 4.85, which points to their struggles in maintaining leads.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics, on the other hand, have a lower team batting average at .212, reflecting more significant struggles at the plate. This lack of consistent hitting has been a major factor in their disappointing season so far. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in clutch situations, like Toro’s game-winning homer. Oakland’s pitching has been even more problematic, with a team ERA of 5.59, indicating substantial difficulties in keeping opposing teams’ runs in check.
Analysis: Why Betting Over 8 Runs Is a Better Bet
Given the statistics and the recent performance of both teams, betting on over 8 total runs seems like a wise choice. Here’s why:
- Recent Trends in the Series: Both games in this series have seen a significant number of runs driven in by home runs. With both teams showing a penchant for power-hitting and given the nature of their recent matchups, it’s reasonable to expect another high-scoring affair.
- Starting Pitchers’ Struggles: Both starting pitchers have had their issues this season. Feltner has struggled to find consistency, and Estes has had a mixed bag of performances. Their high ERAs suggest that both teams are likely to score multiple runs.
- Team ERAs: With team ERAs of 4.85 for the Rockies and 5.59 for the Athletics, it’s clear that both teams have had trouble containing runs. This further supports the likelihood of a high-scoring game.
- Power Hitting: The series has already seen a significant number of home runs, and both teams have demonstrated their ability to hit for power in clutch situations. This trend is likely to continue.
- Key Player Impact: Players like Ryan McMahon for the Rockies and Abraham Toro for the Athletics have shown they can deliver in crucial moments. Their recent performances suggest they could again be key in driving up the score.
Conclusion
The final game of the series between the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics promises to be another thrilling encounter. With both teams evenly matched and their recent games characterized by high-scoring home run duels, betting on over 8 total runs is a smarter choice. The struggles of the starting pitchers, coupled with the power-hitting capabilities of both teams, point towards another game where runs will be plentiful.
This close series is a microcosm of both teams’ seasons. Thursday’s game promises to be another nail-biter, with the potential for more home run heroics and a thrilling finish.
Fans can look forward to an exciting finish to this tightly contested series.
PICK: Over 8 WIN
