Red Sox vs. A’s Saturday Prediction
The Boston Red Sox took Game 1 of their weekend series with the Oakland A’s on Friday night and will throw their ace on Saturday night when the two teams meet again at 9:05 p.m. ET. Despite last night’s game being high-scoring, will tonight result in a pitcher’s duel?
Game Snapshot & Odds
977 Boston Red Sox (-182) at 978 Oakland A’s (+145); 7 runs
Saturday, April 21, 2018
9:05 p.m. ET, Oakland Coliseum
TV: BOS (NESN); OAK (CSCA)
Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Red Sox as a -182 favorite. As of this writing, 83% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Red Sox to beat the A’s on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Red Sox’ Sale off to fantastic start to new season
Chris Sale gave up just one run in five innings while striking out eight in a 3-1 victory over the Orioles on Sunday.
After giving up an RBI double to Manny Machado in the first inning, Sale completely shut down the Baltimore offense, and he allowed just two hits in the game. He now possesses an ERA of 1.23, and he’s on pace to strike out 335 hitters in the 2018 season. He’ll look to continue this strong run on Friday against the Athletics in Oakland.
A’s Manaea impressive in early going
Sean Manaea twirled another gem Sunday, allowing a run on two hits over seven innings in a 2-1 win over the Mariners. Manaea hung an off-speed pitch to Taylor Motter that Motter swatted over the boards, but otherwise the M’s couldn’t do much of anything against the southpaw. Manaea walked a pair and struck out four in the efficient outing.
He’s been nothing short of stellar through four starts, posting a 1.63 ERA and 0.72 WHIP while throwing 27 2/3 innings, most in the American League through Sunday. A challenge awaits Manaea Saturday with the Red Sox in town, but right now he’s a must-start until he falters. He hasn’t yet.
MLB Betting Trends
Boston
The Red Sox have won four of their last five meetings with the A’s but are just 12-26 in their last 38 games in Oakland.
Oakland
The A’s are 1-4 in their last five games against the American League East and are winless at 0-6 in Manaea’s last six starts coming off five days of rest.
Prediction:
Both of these teams are swinging hot bats but if there’s going to be one pitcher’s duel this weekend in Oakland, this is the matchup. Both pitchers are off to excellent starts and we just saw on Sunday how the Red Sox didn’t support Sale with run support in their 3-1 win over the Orioles. The under is 10-4 in Sale’s last 14 starts when their opponent allows five runs or more in their previous game and 4-1 in Manaea’s last five outings following a quality start in his last appearance. With the total sitting at 7 at most online sportsbooks, I’ll take the under.
The Pick: Red Sox/A’s under 7