MLB Game Preview and Free Pick

Oakland (72-71) at Kansas City (58-85)

24 year old Gio Gonzalez takes the mound for Oakland.  He is looking for his 5th straight win in the match up against Kansas City and struggling ace Zack Greinke. Gonzalez is 14-8 with a 3.16 ERA and Grienke is 8-13 with a 3.90 ERA. Although the ERA’s of the two pitchers is not that far apart, this re-enforces the fact that pitching is just half the game. You must have some hits to score runs in support of your guy on the mound.

Greinke, winless in his last four starts, allowed four runs and five hits over eight innings in a 4-3 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. He pitched four scoreless innings before giving up three runs in the fifth. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA in his career against Oakland, with the only loss coming opposite Gonzalez on July 16 after allowing five runs – two earned – in six innings.

In their last 10 games, Oakland is 7-3 and K.C. is just 2-8. Both teams are out of playoff contention so the rest of the way is for pride and to prepare for next year.  The roster and pitching situation is just better for Oakland than for Kansas City and our money is on the young 24 year old pitcher and the support he gets from his players.  The line at most sportsbooks is right around -105 for each team (pick em’) and we feel this is a valuable line to wager.

Oakland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Kansas City are 5-5
After playing Kansas City are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Kansas City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Oakland are 4-6
After playing Oakland are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Oakland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland’s last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City’s last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Kansas City’s last 9 games when playing at home against Oakland
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

TAKE OAKLAND -105

Next up:
Kansas City home to Oakland, Wednesday, September 15