This game could be low scoring as Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-1, 0.90 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (37-33) go up against Jesse Chavez (3-6, 2.52 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (31-41) in the first of a three-game series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 23 and will air on CSN-CA and FSN-SW.
In his most recent outing, Gonzalez pitched 8.1 innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking two in a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers. Prince Fielder (.340, 34 Rs, 11 HRs, 47 RBIs) went 1 for 2 Sunday. In his pitching opportunities against the Rangers, Chavez is 1-1 with a 5.04 ERA, 28 strikeouts and three walks. Stephen Vogt (.294, 34 Rs, 13 HRs, 51 RBIs) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rangers have an SU record of 11-17 against teams in their division. The Rangers seem to play worse against their division opponents. In divisional matchups, Texas has only averaged 3.7 runs per game compared to its 4.4 season average. Over their past 10 games, Texas’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 2.7 runs per game, below their season average of 4.2.
Against divisional rivals, the Athletics are 16-22 SU. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging four runs per game. Oakland is one of the top hitting teams in the AL with an average of 9.0 hits per contest. The Athletics average 3.2 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the AL. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 7.7 strikeouts per road game.
The Athletics have gotten the better of the Rangers in head-to-head matchups this season, going 6-4. The Rangers will take on a right-hander (Chavez) in this game and have a 24-19 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Gonzalez will take the mound against the Athletics, who have a 28-28 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – OAK
Notes
In their last game, the Athletics won by a margin of one run. The Rangers are 13-11 in one-run games. The Athletics have a 6-18 record in close games.
The Rangers are 3-3 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Athletics are 0-6 in such matchups.
The Athletics are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Rangers have a record of 17-14 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 5-27. The Rangers have an 8-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, Oakland has hit 61 this season. Texas ranks 10th with 71 home runs.
Ranking eighth, Texas is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.37 per game. Oakland ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.00.
Ranking 18th, Texas is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Oakland ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .719.
The Athletics are 8-28 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rangers are 19-26 when they allow at least one homer.
