Will the A’s stay hot against the visiting Rays?

Shane Baz will take the mound for Tampa Bay, seeking his first win of the season. This will be his eighth start after missing all of last year, so he’s still finding his rhythm.

The Rays have gone 2-3 in his previous five starts, and while Baz has maintained consistent strikeout numbers, he’s been struggling with control, particularly in hitter-friendly counts.

Despite these challenges, the Rays have generally been the better team this season, and Baz is in a good position to help them bounce back from their recent loss to the Athletics.

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics are in fourth place in the AL West, trailing the division-leading Houston Astros by 13.5 games. Despite a challenging season, the A’s have been on a roll lately, posting a 7-3 record over their last 10 games.

This recent success has helped them avoid the division’s last-place spot, currently occupied by the Los Angeles Angels.

In the series opener, Oakland secured a 3-0 victory, with Joe Boyle delivering six scoreless innings to set up the win.

The team is experiencing a rare favorable stretch this season and is determined to maintain this upward trend in their lineup and pitching staff.

Joey Estes will take the mound in the upcoming game, aiming to keep his unbeaten record at home intact. He’s been particularly effective at home, boasting an impressive 2.40 ERA over 40 innings.

Although his last start saw him give up three earned runs, Estes had won his previous three starts, showcasing strong strikeout numbers.

With the Rays’ lineup struggling, Estes has a prime opportunity to capitalize and help the A’s secure back-to-back victories.

As Oakland’s lineup gains confidence, this could be the perfect moment for Estes to find his groove and lead the team to another win.

Rays-A’s Best Bet

If I have to choose between the Rays and Athletics like I did yesterday, I’d prefer to have favorable odds attached to it. Both the Rays and Athletics are not performing well in baseball currently and don’t have much motivation to play hard.

The Athletics have the home advantage and have been winning games despite their inconsistent scoring. Neither Shane Baz nor Joey Estes seem to be significant factors in this decision.

If I must pick a side, I’ll go for the underdog, so I’ll choose the Athletics to win this one the moneyline.