The Boston Red Sox’ win streak was snapped Thursday night by the Oakland Athletics. The A’s have been exceptional lately, and this time out Scott Kazmir pitched another gem to win his fourth straight start, while Yoenis Cespedes hit another home run.
Friday night will feature yet another clash between the two of the AL’s best. Can the Red Sox avoid a second-straight loss to the A’s?
Variety is the spice of life, so don’t forget to check our 2014 Wimbledon Men’s Singles Preview before the event starts next week. In the meantime, read on for everything you need to know to bet on this game and get into the action with two of MLB’s best teams.
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Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics Betting Preview and Prediction
The Boston Red Sox have been struggling on the road, and after starting another 10-game road trip with a loss, that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. Boston are 2-8 in their last 10 road games.
[sc:MLB240banner ]The Red Sox’ hitting woes continued in their first game at Oakland, as they put together five hits and scored just twice. The exception to the offensive issues remains Dustin Pedroia, who accounted for two of their five hits, including a homer. The Red Sox could have more success against Oakland’s starter Brad Mills, who could be shaky in his first start of the season.
Boston will start left-hander Felix Doubront (2-4, 5.12 ERA), who is coming back from a shoulder injury. In his last start last May 20, Doubront gave up a season-worst five runs against Toronto. His performance coming back from injury may prove to be a decisive factor in this game against Oakland.
The total has gone under in Boston’s last 4 road games.
Betting on the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics continue to dominate with their bats. No other club has three different batters with at least 49 RBIs this season, a feat Oakland achieves with Yoenis Cespedes (49), Brandon Moss (55) and Josh Donaldson (52).
Cespedes has been the one contributing most lately. He has hit .342 with 17 RBIs and 14 homers in his last 18 games alone. The A’s are in good shape to hit well in this one, as they are 5-0 in their last five home games against a left-handed starter.
The unknown variable coming into the game is the A’s left-handed starter Brad Mills. Mills has not pitched in the majors since 2012 when he threw five scoreless innings to win against Toronto in his lone start for the L.A. Angels back in 2012. Mills is 3-3 with a 7.76 ERA in 15 career starts.
The A’s are 5-1 in their last six games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Mills may allow some runs, but the Athletics’ offense will more than make up for it. Create a betting account to take advantage as Oakland beats the Red Sox in a high-scoring game.
