MLB Tuesday August 24th Mariners at Athletics Betting Preview
Important Matchup in the AL Wild Card Race
Somebody is going to gain some ground in the August 24th Mariners at Athletics matchup. Oakland has dipped to a game back from Boston in the AL wild card race thanks to a 3-7 record over their last 10 games. Seattle meanwhile is 3 down from the Red Sox thanks to a 7-3 surge over their last 10.
This should be a tight matchup in an early afternoon (3:37 ET) start. Oddsmakers have the A’s set as -141 favorites despite the Mariners picking up a 5-3 win on Monday as +127 underdogs. Does Seattle have value at +130 or is this quick 2-game series destined for a split?
Can Mariners Avoid Distraction?
Seattle is in a tough spot on Tuesday, playing on ‘getaway day’ after wrapping up an 8 game road swing and with Wednesday idle on the schedule. That being said, the Mariners have more than enough motivation in this one, 2 back from the A’s in the wild card race and riding momentum after a 5-3 win on Monday.
Seattle was down in the series opener, but they proved they were not out after a 3-run 9th inning. Ty France hit a game tying home run, and Jake Bauers delivered a 2-out, 2-run single to complete the stunner. Mitch Haniger also had a HR and Abraham Toro was 3 for 5 as the M’s outhit Oakland 10-6.
The run total for the August 24th Mariners at Athletics matchup is 8.5, as Chris Flexen (10-5, 3.65 ERA) takes the bump. The right-hander is on a personal run of three straight no-decisions, but Seattle has won 3 of the last 4 Flexen starts. Flexen is 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA vs. the A’s this season however.
Is Any Oakland Lead Safe?
The A’s have to be a bit of an emotional wreck right now, losing three straight while allowing 7 runs in the 8th inning or later over that span. That includes a couple of late defeats to the Giants and closer Lou Trivino taking two defeats in the last three games.
Oakland’s bullpen being shaky and the fact that Tuesday’s starter Cole Irvin has allowed 6 ER over his last two starts (11.0 IP) isn’t a great combo. Irvin dished out 4 walks in his last start, and has given up 4 ER in each of his two starts vs. the Mariners this season. Irvin is 0-2 with an 8.32 ERA vs. the M’s this season.
Oakland will likely need their offense to get going on Tuesday with the success that Seattle has had against Irvin. Matt Olson did hit his 31st HR of the season on Monday while Yan Gomes added another long ball but the A’s have now been held to 3 runs or less in 5 of their last 8.
August 24th Mariners at Athletics Pick
Oakland is in a must win spot (both teams are really) but the A’s have been slipping a bit down the stretch. Both squads have had success against the opposing starters, and with Oakland’s bullpen being a mess the Mariners should be able to tack on a few late.
Mariners 7 – Athletics 5
Free Pick: Over 8.5
