The Boston Red Sox just finished sweeping Milwaukee and Kansas City at home and now they hit the road to take on the Oakland A’s. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the A’s as -141 moneyline favs over the Red Sox +125 with the over/under set at 8 runs. Get your MLB Pick in now at SBGglobal.com
The A’s ended their three game losing streak with a 9-1 home win over Tampa Bay. Dana Eveland was the winning pitcher after tossing for nine innings, allowing three hits and one homer. Tonight’s starting pitcher is Rich Harden (RHP) (2-0, 2.91 ERA) who won his last start, against Atlanta, after pitching 7 innings and allowing one run. The A’s are 13-11 SU where they have a 2.86 ERA. They are 3-7 SU in their last ten games with a 3.84 ERA. Jack Cust leads the A’s with seven homers while Bobby Crosby has the hottest bat with a .266 batting average. They don’t have the greatest offense, 17th ranked 4.48 RPG, but their defense is stellar. They allow a 1st ranked 3.37 ERA and a 2nd ranked 1.22 WHIP. The A’s are 25-23, 13-11 ATS at home and 28-20 against right handed pitchers.
The Red Sox have destroyed their competition at home, but their last road trip didn’t go to good as they went 4-6 SU against three different teams. Pitching from the slab tonight is knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (RHP) (3-2, 4.33 ERA) who won his last start 7-6 at home against Milwaukee. The Red Sox are 10-14 SU on the road where they have a 4.80 ERA. They are 7-3 SU in their last ten games with a 4.24 ERA. David Ortiz leads the Sox with 10 homers while Kevin Youkilis has the hottest bat with a .324 batting average. The Bosox are all about offense, they rank 2nd with 5.30 RPG and their ranked 1st in team batting average .295. Their defense needs improvement, they are ranked 13th allowing 4.11 PRG. They are 10-14 SU on the road, 31-19 ATS and 11-10 over/under away from home.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Athletics are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
- Athletics are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
- Athletics are 6-1 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
- Athletics are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Red Sox are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
- Red Sox are 0-5 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Red Sox are 0-4 in their last 4 road games.
- Under is 6-0 in Wakefields last 6 road starts vs. Athletics.
GAME: Boston Red Sox (31-19) at Oakland Athletics (25-23)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 23 – 10:05 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 8
PICK: Oakland -141
The Bottom Line: The Bosox you see at Fenway Park aren’t the same team you see on the road. The A’s feel comfortable with Harden on the mound. Get your MLB Pick in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
