Detroit Tigers (70-70) vs. Oakland Athletics (61-79)
As the 2024 MLB season continues, the Detroit Tigers are set to meet the Oakland Athletics on Friday, September 6, at Oakland Coliseum, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET.
This matchup marks the beginning of a three-game series. The Tigers enter as -164 moneyline favorites, with an expected total of 7.0 runs. The Athletics aim to extend their winning streak over Detroit, having claimed two out of three games in their earlier encounter this April.
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Tigers Struggling to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
In their recent efforts, the 70-70 Detroit Tigers faced the San Diego Padres, seeking to avoid a sweep in a three-game series. After a tough 3-0 loss in the opener, they were narrowly defeated 6-5 in extra innings on Wednesday.
As of Thursday morning, the Tigers found themselves 5.5 games behind the final wild card position in the American League. Their recent performance has been disappointing, with only four wins in their last six games and a batting average of just .200, alongside eight doubles and five home runs across 195 at-bats.
The Tigers will rely on left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal to take the mound on Friday. Skubal, enjoying a stellar season, boasts a record of 16-4 with an impressive 2.51 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP, alongside a remarkable 201 strikeouts against only 33 walks in 27 starts (168.1 innings pitched). He has allowed more than one run just once in his last four outings and holds a 2.16 ERA during that span.
Skubal faced the Athletics earlier this season, pitching 6.1 innings in a no-decision, where he gave up four earned runs. With a career record of 3-2 against Oakland, he maintains a 2.52 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in seven starts against them.
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Athletics Looking to Bounce Back After Heavy Loss
The 61-79 Oakland Athletics recently battled the Seattle Mariners, hoping to secure a four-game series win. After two close victories, they faced a crushing 16-3 defeat in their last game, where pitcher JP Sears allowed five earned runs, followed by Janson Junk, who surrendered an alarming seven earned runs without recording an out.
In their last seven games, the A’s have managed a 3-4 record, scoring 35 runs with a collective batting average of .261. Their offense included 18 doubles, one triple, and 13 home runs from 245 at-bats. However, their bullpen has struggled, posting an unfavorable 8.72 ERA in 21.2 innings.
Projected to start for the Athletics is Mitch Spence, a 26-year-old rookie right-hander with a record of 7-9 and a 4.50 ERA. In his 19 starts and 11 relief appearances (126 innings), Spence has recorded a 105 strikeouts to 41 walks ratio. Despite some control issues, he performed decently in his last two outings, allowing three earned runs on ten hits and six walks over 10.1 innings.
Strategic Betting Insights for Tigers vs. Athletics
When it comes to placing bets, it is hard to overlook Tarik Skubal’s outstanding performance this season. As a frontrunner for the AL Cy Young Award, he holds a remarkable 0.53 ERA in three career starts at Oakland Coliseum.
The moneyline odds may not appear appealing, so considering a runline bet could be a wise choice. The Tigers have shown solid offensive production against right-handed pitchers recently, featuring a 103 wRC+ and .709 OPS. Meanwhile, the Athletics have struggled, with a .641 OPS and 81 wRC+ in the same timeframe.
