T.M. Selection: Oakland A's

Oakland fell 5-3 in the opener of this series yesterday, but with what I believe to be the superior starting pitcher on the mound today, I look for it to bounce back large on Saturday night. The A's are now 3-4 and the Mariners are 4-4. Mike Fiers (0-0, 9.00 ERA) allowed four runs over four innings vs. the Angels in his debut last week, but thanks to a five run lead in the first, Fiers avoided a loss. Fiers though was 15-4 with a 3.90 ERA last season and 11-2 with a 3.67 ERA in all "night" games.

The M's go with the volatile Yusei Kikuchi, who was 6-11 with a 5.46 ERA last year and who was shelled for five runs and four walks over 3.2 innings in a fortunate no-decision vs. the Astros on Sunday. Note that he was just 2-9 with a ballooned 5.79 ERA in all "night" games last year as well.

After falling last night, look for the A's to respond on Saturday night!

T.M. Prediction: 6-1 A's