The Oakland Athletics (10-37) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (26-19) at Minute Maid Park on Sunday with the home team looking for a sweep of the three-game series.
The Astros lead the series 2-0 after winning 3-2 on Saturday, their sixth straight victory overall. Hector Neris threw one scoreless inning in relief to get the win, and Ryan Pressly earned his eighth save with a scoreless ninth.
Yordan Alvarez went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Esteury Ruiz was 2 for 4 with one run for the Athletics.
ON THE MOUND
James Kaprielian (0-3, 10.17 ERA) is in line for the start for Oakland. The RHP allowed three runs over seven innings in his last start, a 5-0 home defeat against the Rangers on May 13. He was charged with the loss, scattering six hits while striking out seven and walking one.
Kaprielian is making his first appearance against the Astros this season. Kaprielian made one start against the Astros in 2022, a 5-2 road loss on September 15. He surrendered two runs on five hits over six innings, striking out four and walking four.
Left-hander Framber Valdez (3-4, 2.38 ERA) takes the mound for Houston. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Athletics. Valdez made three appearances against the Athletics in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 17 and walking six over 23 innings (2-1, 1.96).
In his last start on Monday, Valdez took a no-decision at home against the Cubs. He threw four innings and gave up four runs on seven hits, striking out eight and walking two in the 6-4 win. The lefty ranks fifth in the AL in strikeouts (65).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Oakland has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.7. Against southpaws like Valdez this season, the A’s have a .776 OPS. Brent Rooker is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.210 OPS in 40 at-bats.
Houston is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with an improved slash line (.305/.367/.506). The ‘Stros have a .678 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .957 OPS over 87 at-bats, Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Oakland is on a six-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 5-17 in 2023. The A’s have scored 4.3 runs per game away from home, while allowing 7.9 runs.
Houston has won five in a row at Minute Maid Park. The ‘Stros are 13-11 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 games at Minute Maid Park between the AL West rivals, Houston is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.8-2.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 18 games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Astros are second in the AL West, two games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros -2.5 (-110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
