Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers (73-54), currently leading the NL Central, will visit the Oakland Athletics (55-73) for the first of a three-game series at the Oakland Coliseum on August 23, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. EDT. The Brewers come into this game with a solid .331 on-base percentage, ranking third in the majors, bolstered by key players like Willy Adames, who has 22 home runs and 85 RBIs this season. The Athletics, sitting fourth in the AL West, have shown resilience, particularly at home with a 32-33 record and a remarkable 34-10 when scoring at least five runs.

Recent performances show both teams at 6-4 in their last ten games, yet the Brewers’ batting average has dipped to .204, while the Athletics are faring slightly better at .241. Historically, these two teams have not met yet this season, adding an element of unpredictability to this matchup.

The starting pitchers for this contest will be Aaron Civale (Brewers, 4-8, 4.78 ERA) and JP Sears (Athletics, 10-8, 4.15 ERA). Civale's struggles this season may open the door for Athletics' hitters to capitalize, particularly as they look to improve on their overall performance.

Player Prop Odds

• Batter Hits: 0.5 (Over -115, Under -112)
• Batter RBIs: 0.5 (Over +330, Under -500)
• Batter Runs Scored: 0.5 (Over +205, Under -290)
• Batter Singles: 0.5 (Over +130, Under -175)
• Batter Total Bases: 0.5 (Over -116, Under -111)

Player Analysis

Max Schuemann has been a player to watch this season, with his ability to contribute significantly in critical moments. His batting average hovers around .273 with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs. He has also stolen 18 bases, showcasing his speed on the basepaths. Schuemann's performance against right-handed pitching has been impressive, making him a potential threat against Civale, who has struggled against left-handed hitters this season.

In the last ten games, Schuemann has shown consistency, and his ability to get on base makes him a viable candidate for prop bets focused on hits and runs scored. His proficiency in hitting singles adds further value to his prop odds, particularly with the Over on singles at +130, which reflects his capability to get on base reliably.

Opposing Analysis

Facing Aaron Civale, Schuemann has a favorable matchup. Civale's high ERA indicates vulnerability against left-handed batters, which could allow Schuemann to exploit gaps in the defense. The Athletics have been aggressive at the plate, and if they can establish a rhythm early in the game, Schuemann could find opportunities to score runs and drive in RBIs.

Prop Analysis

Evaluating the player prop odds, the Over on hits (0.5) at -115 appears reasonable given Schuemann's recent form. The +205 odds for Over on runs scored also suggest a strong possibility that he could cross home plate if he reaches base successfully. Meanwhile, the RBIs prop at +330 is enticing but carries higher risk due to the unpredictability of scoring opportunities.

For singles, the Over at +130 is attractive, especially since Schuemann often finds ways to make contact. Total bases at 0.5 also present good value, given his likelihood of getting on base in this matchup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Aaron Civale takes the mound for the Brewers with a record of 4-8 and a 4.78 ERA. His 1.37 WHIP indicates that he allows a fair number of base runners, which could be problematic against a team like the Athletics that thrives on capitalizing on such opportunities. Civale's strikeout total stands at 117, but his inconsistency could lead to a challenging outing against a disciplined lineup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

JP Sears, the Athletics' starter, boasts a record of 10-8 and a 4.15 ERA. His WHIP of 1.18 shows he can limit base runners effectively, making him a tough matchup. Sears has been particularly strong in recent outings, which adds confidence to the Athletics' prospects in this game. His ability to miss bats with 110 strikeouts can keep the Brewers' lineup at bay.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has been a mixed bag this season, with a total of 27 saves and a 4.21 ERA. They have shown moments of brilliance but have also been prone to giving up leads, especially in high-pressure situations. The loss of key pitchers due to injuries may affect their depth as the season progresses.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

Conversely, the Athletics feature a more stable bullpen with 42 saves and a 3.69 ERA, ranking them among the top bullpens in the league. Their ability to close out games has been a significant factor in their recent success. This could provide a cushion for Sears, allowing him to pitch with confidence while the bullpen preserves leads.

Team Previews

The Milwaukee Brewers have had a challenging season, with a batting average of .231, ranking them 26th in the majors. Despite their struggles, they remain competitive in the NL Central due to solid pitching performances. Their ability to hit with runners in scoring position remains a critical area for improvement.

The Oakland Athletics, on the other hand, have shown flashes of brilliance with a .253 batting average and 603 total runs scored, ranking them 11th in the league. Their offensive depth has allowed them to remain competitive, and they will look to leverage that against the Brewers' pitching staff.

Team Injuries

Recent Games