Pitching for the A’s in the final game of this three-game set is Daniel Gossett. The 24-year-old recorded his first big league victory Saturday against the Chicago White Sox, surrendering just five hits and two runs (zero earned) over six solid innings. Gossett was locked in right from the get-go, retiring the first eight White Sox hitters he faced. The right-hander logged five strikeouts while yielding just one walk in that start.
Gossett will need some help, though, if he is to beat the red-hot Astros today. Expected to do the heavy lifting for the Oakland offense is Khris Davis. The California native has been on fire of late, going 10-of-26 in his last seven games with five homers and 12 RBIs. He’s hitless, though, in five career at-bats against Brad Peacock. Davis, who hit his 20th and 21st homers Wednesday against Houston, leads the A’s in home runs and RBIs this campaign.
Betting on the Houston Astros (53-26)
Starting for Houston in the series finale is Brad Peacock. The right-hander was supposed to start Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, but he was suddenly placed on the paternity list. After making 12 bullpen appearances, Peacock has gone 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA in six starts. He’s clearly relishing this new role for the Astros, averaging 13.98 strikeouts per nine innings as a starter.
Peacock can’t do it all alone, though, and he needs the Houston hitters to step up their play today. One guy who needs to contribute for the Astros is Josh Reddick. He’s batting .389 in his last six games with two homers and six RBIs. Another player who’s swinging the bat well for Houston is George Springer. He’s 9-of-22 in his last seven outings for the Astros with four homers and seven RBIs. Springer leads Houston in homers and RBIs this campaign.
