Tigers vs. Athletics Pick
After blowing a ninth-inning lead on Saturday night, will the Detroit Tigers rebound today and win the rubber match with the Oakland Athletics at 4:05PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, this game is considered even, as each team is getting odds of -110 to win. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 8.5 runs.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Detroit has Daniel Norris (2-2, 4.00 ERA) on the mound today to face Sonny Gray (0-1, 6.00). Gray has started just one game this season. He allowed four earned runs and five hits over six innings in a loss to the Twins last week. He walked two and struck out four. Norris has been hot-and-cold this season for the Tigers. He has yet to get out of the seventh in any of his five starts. He has allowed 12 earned runs over 27 innings and has 15 walks. His WHIP coming into today is 1.70.
After earning a 7-2 win on Friday, the Tigers lost 6-5 to Oakland on Saturday despite leading entering the ninth. Detroit is now 15-14 overall and 6-7 on the road while Oakland is 13-17 overall and 8-7 at home.
On Saturday, the Tigers continued to have bullpen issues. Francisco Rodriguez blew his third save, giving up two runs when the Tigers had a 5-4 lead. Adam Rosales had a two-run single to win the game in the ninth. Both starting pitchers struggled, as the two combined to give up eight runs. Neither made it out of the sixth and nine different relievers were used between the two squads. Yonder Alonso led Oakland with two hits and three RBI while Nick Castellanos had two hits and two RBI for the Tigers.
Detroit seems like the better team here, but Norris is a risky play because of his high WHIP. He really has trouble walking hitters, which leads to high pitch counts. Detroit can’t rely much on its bullpen, but it will need it to win today. Gray had a shaky first outing, but I think that can change today at home. The Athletics have won 14 of Gray’s last 17 Sunday starts. Look for them to do it again today as Gray will navigate this Detroit lineup.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: OAKLAND ATHLETICS -110