Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face off against the Oakland Athletics in the final game of a three-game series on August 25, 2024, at the Oakland Coliseum. The Brewers come into this matchup with a record of 75-54, sitting first in the NL Central, while the Athletics are 55-75 and fourth in the AL West. The Brewers have a strong chance to sweep the series after victories in the first two games, winning 11-3 and 9-5, respectively.

In their last 10 games, the Brewers have performed well, posting an 8-2 record and outscoring opponents by 14 runs, with a solid pitching staff that has contributed to a 2.93 ERA during this stretch. On the other hand, the Athletics have struggled, going 4-6 with a .227 batting average and an ERA of 4.10, being outscored by 17 runs.

Historically, the Brewers have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Athletics. With a season record of 37-30 on the road, the Brewers have shown they can compete away from home, especially against teams struggling to find consistency like Oakland, which has a home record of 32-35.

Key players to watch include Brent Rooker for the Athletics, who leads the team with 30 home runs, and Willy Adames for the Brewers, who has 22 home runs and 85 RBIs this season. As the teams meet for the third time this season, the Brewers will look to capitalize on their recent momentum and secure a series sweep.

Player Prop Odds

Lawrence Butler's player prop odds for today's game are as follows:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+285)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-110)
• Batter Stolen Bases: Over 0.5 (+370)

Player Analysis

Lawrence Butler has shown promise this season, particularly with his ability to get on base. His batting average is respectable, and he has a knack for hitting singles, which is reflected in the prop odds. The odds for him to get at least one single in this game are set at -110, indicating a good chance for him to achieve this.

Butler's ability to steal bases has also been noted, with odds of +370 for him to steal a base today. This suggests that sportsbooks believe he has the opportunity to take advantage of the Athletics' catching and pitching situation, especially if he gets on base early in the game.

In terms of his performance metrics, Butler has been effective when facing pitchers with similar profiles to Frankie Montas, who has shown vulnerability against left-handed hitters. Butler's speed and batting intelligence will be crucial in today’s matchup.

Opposing Analysis

The Athletics' pitching staff, led by Frankie Montas, has struggled with consistency this season. Montas has a 4.57 ERA and a WHIP of 1.39, which could bode well for Butler's chances at getting hits. The Athletics have allowed a high number of hits to opposing hitters, particularly against teams with speed on the bases, which plays directly into Butler's strengths.

Additionally, the Athletics' defense has shown lapses in fielding, which could allow Butler to get on base with a single or double. Their recent performance also shows they have allowed multiple stolen bases in recent games, which adds to the potential for Butler to exploit their weaknesses.

Prop Analysis

Examining the odds for Butler’s props, the expectation is that he can achieve at least one single based on his recent form and the Athletics' pitching struggles. The +285 odds for doubles suggest that while it may be a bit more challenging, he certainly has the ability to hit for extra bases if he finds a gap in the defense.

The +370 odds for a stolen base are enticing, especially considering that Butler's speed could be a game-changer if he gets on base early. The Athletics have been known to struggle with holding runners, which could present Butler with opportunities throughout the game.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Frankie Montas will take the mound for the Brewers. He has a record of 6-8 with a 4.57 ERA and has struck out 99 batters this season. Despite a decent strikeout rate, Montas has struggled with giving up hits, which could play into Butler's favor.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

Joey Estes, the starting pitcher for the Athletics, holds a 5-6 record with a 4.44 ERA. His WHIP of 1.15 indicates that he has been relatively efficient, but he has also been prone to giving up runs in critical situations. Butler's ability to read pitches and capitalize on mistakes could be pivotal in this matchup.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers have a solid bullpen with depth, which could limit the Athletics' scoring opportunities later in the game. Their bullpen has a combined ERA of 3.69, making it one of the stronger units in the league.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics' bullpen has had its struggles, with an ERA that hovers around 4.10. If Butler can get on base early, there could be opportunities for him to steal bases against a shaky relief corps later in the game.

Team Previews

The Brewers have a batting average of .231, ranking 28th in the league, but have shown the ability to score runs when they get on base. Their pitching has been a strong suit, allowing them to maintain their position atop the NL Central.

The Athletics, with a batting average of .254, rank 7th in the league for runs scored, showcasing their offensive capabilities despite their overall record. However, their pitching inconsistency has been a significant drawback in their performance this season.

Team Injuries

Injuries could play a role in today's game, with relevant players out on both teams:

• Athletics: Esteury Ruiz (LF, Wrist, Expected to be out until at least Sep 1)
• Brewers: Hoby Milner (RP, Shoulder, Expected to be out until at least Aug 25)

Recent Games

Here are the last five games for each team:

Milwaukee Brewers

Oakland Athletics