Free Sports Picks: Oakland, Houston Should Be Low-Scoring Affair

Jul 9, 2018

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Oskeim Sports is an internationally-renowned sports handicapping service that provides sports bettors with the best betting advice in the industry.  Oskeim provides both free sports picks and premium sports picks to bettors looking to generate a second income.

On Monday, Oskeim previews the MLB game between the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros.  Oskeim recommends taking the UNDER 8 runs as one of his free sports picks for July 9.

Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole toes the rubber with a 2.70 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 3.08 FIP and 3.06 xFIP in eighteen starts this season.  Cole’s peripherals are supported by an elite 12.19 K/9 rate.

The former Pittsburgh star boats a 2.91 ERA and 0.89 WHIP inside the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park, a span covering 52.2 innings of work.  Those results are backed by a 2.93 FIP, 2.60 xFIP, 12.99 K/9 and a 30.2% K-BB%.

Let’s also note that Cole is 2-1 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in four career starts against the Athletics.  The Astros are a profitable 6-0 in Cole’s last six starts against divisional foes, 5-0 in his previous five home outings and 15-3 in his last eighteen starts overall.

Cole is backed by an elite Houston bullpen that boasts a 2.62 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 2018.  Houston’s relief staff has posted a 2.62 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in divisional play and a 2.50 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in evening contests.

The Astros’ bullpen leads the Majors in both FIP (2.82) and xFIP (3.05), while currently ranking second in strikeouts-per-nine (10.81 K/9) and seventh in home runs per nine (0.85 HR/9).

The Athletics are a money-burning 12-25 versus American League West foes against whom they are averaging 3.6 runs per game (.289 OBP, .670 OPS).

Like Houston, the Athletics enter tonight’s game with a solid bullpen that owns a 3.59 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 2018 (323.0 IP).  Oakland relievers have also compiled a 3.79 ERA and 1.36 WHIP at night.

Blake Treinen boasts a 0.81 ERA, 1.80 FIP and 2.57 xFIP across 44.2 innings this season (22 saves), while Lou Trivino owns a 1.41 ERA and 3.20 FIP in 32 appearances (38.1 IP).

Oakland starter Frankie Montas takes the mound with a 3.83 ERA, 3.48 FIP and 4.41 xFIP across 42.1 innings this season.  One of the most significant issues for Montas has been the lack of movement on his 98 mph fastball.

While he has been much better in keeping the ball in play (0.43 HR/9), Montas is getting hit hard by opposing batters (49.6% Hard%).  However, the 25-year-old has been solid away from home where he owns a 3.57 ERA and 3.46 FIP in 17.2 innings (o HR allowed).

Technical Trends Supporting UNDER:

  • Under is 7-2-1 in Oakland’s L/10 road games vs. right-handed pitchers
  • Under is 6-2 in Oakland’s L/8 games following a win
  • Under is 6-2-2 in Oakland’s L/10 games overall

The UNDER represents a 57.1% winning proposition when these teams clash inside Minute Maid Park over the last three seasons.  57.7 percent of Houston’s home games have landed UNDER the posted total this season.

Take the UNDER 8 runs in tonight’s Oakland/Houston game as one of Oskeim Sports’ free sports picks for July 9.  Oskeim also suggests taking the Miami Marlins as one of his free sports picks.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more free sports picks from the #1 documented handicapping service in the nation!