TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
#904 OAKLAND with Bassitt (-130) over Houston with McCullers at 4:07 PM EST
The A’s dominated the ‘Stros this year winning seven of 10 and they’ll have no trouble jumping out to a quick advantage in this best-of-five series.
Right-hander Chris Bassitt will toe the rubber for the Athletics. In five September starts against the White Sox, M’s, Giants, Rangers and Astros, No. 40 was right on target allowing two earned runs and 29 hits in 33.2 innings of work. Bassitt struck out 30 and walked six on his way to a 4-0 record and an eye-popping 0.53 ERA. History will be on Chris’ side too. In nine appearances against the ‘Stros including eight starts, Bassitt holds a rewarding 3-2 tally with a reliable 3.53 ERA.
Righty Lance McCullers will get the nod for Houston. Matched up against the Rangers, Mariners and Texas again in his last three outings, No. 43 was in a zone surrendering no earned runs and seven hits in 17.2 innings. McCullers whiffed 24 and issued four free passes on his way to an 0-1 tally with a stout 0.00 ERA. Unfortunately, outside of Houston, Lance was horrible this year allowing 19 earned runs and 27 hits in 23.1 frames. After the math, that equates to a dismal 0-3 mark and an elevated 7.33 ERA.
Several quality team trends support this Best Bet. Oakland has won 45 of its last 65 against AL West foes, 67 of its last 98 as chalk and 60 of its last 118 battles after winning two of its last three games over the past two seasons. On the other side of the chalk line, Houston has slipped in eight of its last 10 checking in off a win and 13 of its last 18 when priced as an underdog.
Even though Lance has pitched well for the Astros lately, CB has been the more consistent arm this season and he will lead the Athletics to this hard-fought victory. Take Oakland with Bassitt. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
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