MLB Friday August 13th Athletics at Rangers Betting Preview
Oakland Seems Like They Should Dominate Here
Only one of the teams in the August 13th Athletics at Rangers matchup has something to play for, as Oakland is just 1.5 games back in the AL West. The A’s currently lead the wild card spot and have won 7 in a row, yet are ‘only’ -158 favorites on Friday night.
The Rangers on the other hand very recently lost six in a row, and have now dropped 8 of their last 9. That includes a 3-game sweep in Oakland last weekend in which Texas was outscored 22-7. It’s looking like a big night for the A’s – but is that what oddsmakers want us to think?
Can Oakland Get the Convincing Win?
The A’s are definitely getting hot at the right time, winners of 7 straight and 11 of their last 13. That has put the Athletics in the driver’s seat for the wild card spot, and within striking distance of Houston in the AL West.
Offense has powered the A’s surge, and that was never more evident than in Thursday’s 17-0 win over Cleveland. Oakland has now scored 45 runs over their past five games. Josh Harrison is red hot with 6 hits in 11 AB (.545), and Starling Marte is 11 for his last 23 (.478). 9 Oakland players are hitting better than .300 over the past week.
The run total for the August 13th Athletics at Rangers matchup is just 8.5, meaning the A’s offense could cool off a bit and this contest may also be a pitcher’s duel. Cole Irvin (8-10, 3.45 ERA) gets the ball for Oakland looking for another decent outing. Irvin has allowed 2 ER or less in three of his last four.
Rangers Just Trying to Finish Season
Texas is the 2nd worst team in the American League, and they’re just trying to close out the 2021 campaign and prepare for 2022. The Rangers managed just 2 total runs in their last two games against the Mariners, and have now been held to a run or less in 5 of the last 8.
The Rangers will face Irvin for the fourth time this season, managing 8 ER in 17 innings so far. As expected with a team struggling on offense, there’s not a lot of hot bats in the Rangers lineup as of late, with Charlie Culberson the only Texas batter hitting above .268 over the past week. Culberson is also 5 for 10 in his career vs. Irvin.
Dane Dunning (5-7, 4.07 ERA) is up in the rotation for Texas, and the Rangers have actually come out victorious in 5 of his last 6 starts. Dunning has allowed 2 ER or less in each of those wins, but faces a red hot Oakland offense on Friday night. Dunning did shut out Oakland on just 3 hits over 4.0 IP on July 1st, an 8-3 Rangers win.
August 13th Athletics at Rangers Pick
The line seems kind of low for Friday night’s matchup with Oakland on a 7-game win streak and the Rangers in the midst of struggles. More than 80% of the public is on the A’s as well which is another huge red flag. Can’t pay that price for the A’s, but this one should be lower scoring.
A’s 3 – Rangers 5
Free Pick: Under 8.5
