We’ve got something special brewing tonight with the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers at 8:05pm ET. The game is on YouTube and even though I didn’t even know if that meant I can watch it or not, I still got excited. My kid showed me how and guess who’s good to go now? Me. People helping people, it’s powerful stuff. Since we have a game on at a fantastic 8:05pm ET start time, we might as well bet it. Not just any bet either, a same game parlay. It just feels right.
Let’s take a look at the best options for this showdown and don’t forget to check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total. You can also follow me on Twitter for any other bets I might throw out throughout the day.
Athletics vs. Rangers over 9.5 (-102)
Athletics vs. Rangers 1st inning result – draw (-125)
Oakland Athletics -3.5 (+280)
Parlay odds: +1113
© Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Athletics vs Rangers over 9.5 (-102)
This isn’t a big number for these teams, especially after yesterday’s 11-run game. We still don’t know if Jordan Lyles is going to pitch tonight but I am guessing he will. Taylor Hearn was named the starter even though it’s Lyles’ turn in the rotation. Hearn has not pitched more than two innings since April 12, so he won’t be in there for long. This could be a situation where Lyles comes in right after Hearn departs. Each of Lyles’ last two starts have seen at least 12 runs. If he doesn’t pitch, it will be a bullpen game by MLB’s seventh-worst bullpen in terms of runs allowed. Either way, we should see runs tonight.
Athletics vs Rangers 1st inning result – draw (-125)
Even though I think we’ll see some runs, they may not come in the first inning. Cole Irvin has not been great this season but he hasn’t been bad either. Lefties have had their way with him, posting a .364 WOBA, but the Rangers should only send one to the plate (Nate Lowe) if things go according to plan early on. On the flip side, Hearn does not inspire a ton of confidence but he didn’t give up a run in his last appearance. Hearn had a streak of six straight appearances without giving up a run earlier this season, so it’s not crazy to think he gets through one frame unscathed tonight.
Oakland Athletics -3.5 (+280)
The Athletics snapped a seven-game winning streak by losing their last three but I think they can get right tonight. In a big way. Even though I don’t think Hearn will get touched much tonight, the rest of the Rangers’ bullpen has been bad. If Lyles does come in, I think the Athletics torch him. The Rangers haven’t been closer than four runs in either of Lyles’ last two starts and this seems like a desperation move if they choose to bring him in immediately after Hearn. If they don’t then the Athletics get to feast on the rest of the Rangers bullpen. I think the A’s smash tonight.
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