Detroit Tigers vs
Oakland AthleticsPredictions & Preview

Tigers Look to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive in Series Against A's, Skubal Set to Start Opener

The Tigers and Athletics are set to face off in a three-game series in Oakland starting on Friday night. Detroit is currently 5 1/2 games out of the Wild Card race in the AL, with ace Tarik Skubal (16-4, 2.51 ERA) starting the series opener. The A's, who have the third worst record in the AL, will send Mitch Spence (7-9, 4.50 ERA) to the mound. The game is scheduled to begin at 9:40 EST, with Detroit favored to win according to current betting lines.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers -153 | Athletics +139
• Spread: Tigers -1.5 (+110) | Athletics +1.5 (-130)
• Total: Over/Under 7 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Detroit will win straight-up is 60%.

Detroit vs Oakland Stats

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers' recent performance has been inconsistent, with a 2-4 record following a six-game winning streak. The offense has struggled, hitting just .191 and scoring 16 runs over five games. Matt Vierling has been a standout player, hitting his 16th home run and leading the team with a .266 batting average. The pitching staff boasts a 3.75 team ERA, with starter Skubal leading the AL Cy Young race. Detroit ranks 23rd in offense, 7th in defense, and holds a 71-70 season record.

Oakland Athletics Analysis

The Oakland Athletics are currently in the midst of a busy schedule with 13 straight days of games, having gone 3-4 in their last week of play. Their pitching staff has struggled recently, with a team ERA of 5.34 over the past seven days and a 4.37 ERA on the season, ranking 13th in the American League. The starting pitching has a record of 39-58 with a 4.68 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. Despite this, the bullpen has performed well with 22 wins, 30 saves, and a 3.89 ERA. On the offensive side, the team has scored 572 runs this season with a .234 team batting average and a .704 OPS, ranking ninth in the AL. Brent Rooker leads the club in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored. Overall, the Athletics have a power ranking of 18 and a 61-80 record, and Detroit recently won 2 out of 3 matchups against them.

Tigers Aim to Maintain Advantage in Rematch Against A's

In their last meeting in April, the A's emerged victorious in two out of three games against the Tigers at home. With limited time remaining in the season, Detroit must prevent a repeat of that outcome. The Tigers will have the advantage of starting their ace on the mound for the series opener, which could provide them with a crucial early win. Detroit's left-handed pitcher has demonstrated strong performance on the road, boasting a 7-3 record and 2.91 ERA in 13 road starts, including four consecutive wins. Meanwhile, the A's pitcher has faced recent challenges at home, with a .266 batting average against him. Detroit's offense is in need of a boost, and this series presents a favorable opportunity for them to regain momentum. Ultimately, the prediction is in favor of the Tigers.

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