Athletics (Montas) vs. Mariners (Kikuchi)

The Mariners wasted a terrific start by Flexen last night and hope to respond with Kikuchi. Kikuchi, their all-star selection, has had two poor starts since the break, lasting 5 innings in each and giving up 5 and 7 ER respectively.

Frankie Montas, on the other hand has had 4 strong starts in a row. He has terrific away record, and has a July ERA of 2.45.

My concern yesterday was the Mariners’ bullpen, and, sure enough, they stumbled. Oakland’s relief core has been very good of late.

The Mariners’ bats, which had been improving, have stumbled in the last week and are pretty anemic at the moment. Oakland’s top four have really turned on the run and avg. taps the last two weeks, and are very good against left-handed pitching.

My wager

Oakland has a very good road record, and some momentum here. The Mariners’ bullpen proved me right, unfortunately, last night. Seattle’s home record is not desirable. Take the Oakland A’s to WIN