This is an 8* "SITUATIONAL PITCHING MISMATCH" on the Oakland Athletics.

A couple of first place clubs face off in the rubber match of this three-game set, while Sonny Gray hasn't had a lot of success in the past vs. the Orioles, I believe he does just enough today to secure the victory. Gray (10-3, 2.79 ERA) has won three straight starts while posting a minuscule 0.83 ERA in the process; most recently he gave up an unearned run over 7 2/3's innings in his team's 4-1 win over Seattle last Sunday. The visitors turn to Kevin Gausman who gave up one run and struck out six over seven innings to beat Gray last month, his only career start vs. Oakland. Gausman was recalled for his fifth stint with the club last Sunday, he'd give up one run in five innings in a 3-1 victory over the Yankees. Ultimatley though I feel that Gausman will have his hands full today, the A's are coming off only their second defeat in their last 14 in front of the home town crowd, one other player to keep your eyes on is Oakland slugger Jed Lowrie who is batting .405 over his last 11 games. I'm giving Gray the slight nod on the bump and that's just enough to tip the scales in our favor; lay the price.

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