ALDS Astros vs Athletics game 1 betting will give us our first look at MLB’s version of the bubble as Houston and Oakland begin their series at Dodger Stadium. This is a meeting of two teams very familiar with each other, as the A’s won the AL West this year, finishing seven games ahead of the Astros. Oakland won 7 of the 10 head-to-head tilts during the season.
Oddsmakers like the A’s to continue that trend of success over Houston, making Oakland -141 favorites. Oakland loses home field advantage in this neutral site series as the A’s were 22-10 at RingCentral Stadium this year. The Astros (+120) also looked very good in a two-game sweep of the Twins last round. The betting total is 8.5.
Houston Goes with McCullers in Opener
Dusty Baker somewhat surprisingly will go with Lance McCullers in Astros vs Athletics game 1 betting. Many though Zack Greinke would be the choice, if anything from his 54 career starts at Dodger Stadium from his time with L.A. and Arizona.
Instead it will be McCullers, making his first postseason start since 2017. The right-hander was solid down the stretch, not allowing an earned run over his last three starts (17.2 IP). McCullers made one start vs. Oakland this season, allowing 1 ER over 6.0 IP on August 29th. McCullers missed the 2019 campaign due to Tommy John surgery.
The Astros have value at +120 on Monday afternoon as they looked good in eliminating the Twins with 4-1 and 3-1 wins as +150 and +145 underdogs, respectively. Houston scored 5 of their 7 runs in the wild card round in the 7th inning or later, but the A’s had the best bullpen ERA in baseball this season (2.74).
#Astros vs. #Athletics
4 pm ET/1 pm PT, TBS
ALDS Game One@DonOrsillo (pbp), @JeffFrancoeur (analyst) & @MattWinerTV (reporter) from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles #MLB #MLBPlayoffs— Announcer Schedules (@announcerskeds) October 5, 2020
A’s Win a Low Scoring Meeting?
7 of the 10 head-to-head meetings between these two teams went ‘under’ the betting total during the regular season. Oakland won four of their seven games while scoring 3 runs or less. The A’s did plate 11 runs total in their last two wins over the White Sox in the wild card round, but this series opener looks like runs will be at a premium.
Chris Bassitt should be able to shut down the Houston offense on Monday afternoon. Bassitt made three starts vs. the Astros this season, pitching great in two of them (1 ER in 14.0 IP), and getting hit for 4ER in 3.0 IP in the other. The right-hander was also solid in the wild card round going 6.0 IP against the White Sox, allowing just 1 ER. Bassitt also only allowed 1 ER total over his last four starts of the regular season.
Astros at Athletics Game 1 Betting Free Pick
There’s a lot going on in this game that should lead it to be a low scoring affair. Oakland hasn’t played in four days and the Astros last took the field on September 30th so batters on both sides are going to be out of rhythm. Throw in the uniqueness of playing the neutral site game at Dodger Stadium and the fact that McCullers and Bassitt are both on a role, the play is clear.
Athletics 4 – Astros 2
Free Pick: Under 8.5
