Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers (73-54) are visiting the Oakland Athletics (55-73) to kick off a three-game series at Oakland Coliseum on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. EDT. The Brewers currently sit first in the NL Central and have been performing well on the road with a record of 35-30. They are known for their strong on-base percentage of .331, which ranks third in the majors. In their last ten games, they’ve gone 6-4, though they have struggled offensively with a batting average of just .204.

The Oakland Athletics, meanwhile, are fourth in the AL West and have had a mixed bag of results. They stand at 32-33 in home games and have outscored their opponents by four runs in their last ten games while posting a 6-4 record. Their offense has been led by Brent Rooker, who has 29 home runs this season, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.

This will be the first matchup of the season between these two teams, and both are looking to gain an edge moving forward. With the Brewers fighting for playoff positioning and the Athletics looking to build some momentum, this game promises to be competitive.

Weather conditions for the game are forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a temperature around 70°F. The starting pitchers are Aaron Civale for the Brewers, who has a 4.78 ERA and 117 strikeouts, and JP Sears for the Athletics, who holds a 4.15 ERA and 110 strikeouts.

Player Prop Odds

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+360), Under -575
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+242)
• Batter Home Runs: Over 0.5 (+350)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+180), Under -255
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+120), Under -160
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+110), Under -145
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+128), Under -167

Player Analysis

Brent Rooker has had an impressive season, leading the Athletics with 29 home runs and 84 RBIs. He has a batting average of .287, making him a reliable option at the plate. Rooker's ability to hit for power is evident, and he has demonstrated consistency with his performance, contributing significantly to the Athletics’ offense.

In the last ten games, Rooker has been particularly hot, and his power numbers suggest he is capable of hitting another home run against the Brewers’ pitching. He has a solid slugging percentage of .561, which indicates that he can turn on the ball and drive it out of the park. In situations where Rooker has faced left-handed pitchers, he has performed admirably, making him a candidate for props like total bases and home runs today.

Opposing Analysis

Facing Aaron Civale, who has struggled with a 4.78 ERA, Rooker's chances of capitalizing on his opportunities increase. Civale’s tendency to give up home runs could play into Rooker's strengths, especially considering Rooker's current form. The Brewers have shown vulnerabilities in their pitching lineup, particularly against left-handed hitters. Rooker's recent performance against right-handed pitchers has also been noteworthy, and he has consistently been able to put the ball in play.

Prop Analysis

Evaluating the available props for Brent Rooker, several stand out. The over on 0.5 home runs at +350 seems like an enticing option given his power numbers this season. With Civale on the mound, Rooker's potential to hit a home run is significantly enhanced. The prop for over 1.5 hits at +242 is also worth considering, as he has been getting on base consistently.

For RBIs, the prop set at over 0.5 at +180 could be viable, especially if Rooker is hitting in a favorable spot in the batting order. The ability for him to drive in runs will depend on the players ahead of him getting on base, but given the Athletics' recent scoring ability, this prop has merit.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Aaron Civale will take the mound for the Brewers with a record of 4-8 and a 4.78 ERA. His recent performances have been mixed, and he has shown a tendency to give up runs. Civale’s strikeout rate, while decent at 117 strikeouts this season, has not translated into consistent results, making him a target for opposing hitters. The Athletics, particularly Rooker, will look to exploit any mistakes Civale makes, especially when he leaves pitches over the plate.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

JP Sears will be the starter for Oakland, boasting a 10-8 record and a 4.15 ERA. Sears has been relatively effective, and his ability to limit damage early in games will be crucial against a Brewers lineup that can be explosive. His strikeout rate of 110 suggests he can handle the pressure, but he must avoid allowing big hits that could turn the tide in favor of Milwaukee.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers’ bullpen has shown some depth this season, but they have been prone to giving up runs at critical moments. With injuries impacting their roster, the effectiveness of the bullpen could be a concern if the game is close. Look for the Brewers to rely on their relievers if Civale struggles.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics' bullpen has been in flux, with several injuries hampering their ability to maintain leads. However, they’ve shown resilience in close games. If Sears can keep the game tight, the bullpen will have a chance to close it out without too much pressure.

Team Previews

The Brewers are looking to solidify their place in the playoffs with a strong road performance. Their batting average of .231 is a concern, but their on-base percentage indicates they can create opportunities. The offense will need to step up to support Civale on the mound.

The Athletics are playing for pride at this point in the season, but they have shown they can score runs when it matters. With Rooker leading the charge, they have the potential to upset any team if the bats wake up. Their pitching has improved overall, ranking third in the league in ERA at 3.69.

Team Injuries

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