Already leading the series 1-0, the Athletics (45-99, 21-52 away) are sending JP Sears to the mound to take on the Astros (82-63, 37-36 home) and Justin Verlander in game two of this series. See who I like to come out on top in this AL West matchup between the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros in Houston.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS VS HOUSTON ASTROS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Oakland Athletics +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Minute Maid Park at 8:10 ET on Tuesday, September 12th.

WHY BET THE OAKLAND ATHLETICS:

  • In their last three games, the Athletics have gone 2-1 vs. the runline.
  • Over their last three games on the road, Oakland is 2-1 against the runline.
  • Justin Verlander has given up five away runs across his last three starts.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS SEEK TO IMPROVE THEIR ROAD RECORD

So far this season, the Athletics have a series record of 11-32-2 and overall record of 45-99. This mark has Oakland placed 5th in the AL West. On the road, they have a below .500 record of 21-52.

The Athletics will turn to starter JP Sears, who has an overall record of 4-11. In 28 appearances, his ERA is 4.51 with a K/9 of 8.37. His FIP is 5.21 and OBP .305 thus far this season.

The Athletics were victorious in JP Sears’ last start, besting the Blue Jays 5-2. The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing four hits and one earned run to his name as he notched a win in his 2023 campaign.

The Athletics have been one of the top power lineups in the league of late, having hit 9 home runs over their last five games. Compared to other clubs, this is 3rd best in that span. For the season, they are ranked 20th in home runs and 29th in slugging percentage. Overall, Oakland is averaging 3.7 runs per game (30th).

Shea Langeliers has been a bright spot for the Athletics over their last five games, leading the team with two home runs. He has 18 long balls on the season and is batting .206.

WILL THE HOUSTON ASTROS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

On an overall record of 82-63, the Astros are 1st in the AL West. On the road, Houston has put together a record of 45-27 while going 37-36 at home. Against teams with below .500 records, the club has gone 44-44. Overall, the Astros have played in 45 series, going 25-16-4.

Justin Verlander has been a consistent force in the 2023 season, going at least six innings in two consecutive games and boasting an impressive 11-7 record. His ERA stands at 3.23, with a WHIP of 1.16, and he has a K/BB ratio of 119/40 and a slugging percentage allowed of .367. Opposing batters have only managed to hit .224 against him this year.

Justin Verlander’s latest start was a successful one, as the veteran pitcher earned a win for his team in their 12-3 victory over the Rangers. The right-hander tossed seven innings of two-run, four-hit ball.

Offensively, Houston is ranked 5th in the league with an average of 5.2 runs per game. When looking over their last ten matchups, the Astros averaged 6.6 runs per contest, which is 2nd best in that span. In terms of their power numbers, Houston is 7th in all of baseball, with a total of 198 home runs.

Yordan Alvarez has been a major contributor to the Houston Astros’ offense in 2023, leading the team with 26 home runs and 85 RBIs. His slugging percentage is an impressive .583 for the season.