Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers (73-54) visit the Oakland Athletics (55-73) to kick off a three-game series at the Oakland Coliseum on August 23, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. EDT. This matchup marks the first meeting between these two teams this season. The Brewers currently sit atop the NL Central, while the Athletics are in fourth place in the AL West.

The Brewers come into this game after a split in their recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals, winning one and losing two. They have been inconsistent at the plate, boasting a .204 batting average over their last ten games but maintaining a solid collective .331 on-base percentage, which ranks third in the majors.

On the other hand, the Athletics have shown some resilience, going 6-4 in their last ten games. They have a .241 batting average during this stretch, and their pitching has been more reliable, with a 3.20 ERA. Their offense has thrived when they score at least five runs, going 34-10 in those games.

Key players to watch include Brent Rooker, who leads the Athletics with 29 home runs, and Shea Langeliers, who has been hot lately with a .389 batting average over the last ten games, including a home run and four RBIs.

The starting pitchers for the game are Aaron Civale (4-8, 4.78 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 117 strikeouts) for the Brewers and JP Sears (10-8, 4.15 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 110 strikeouts) for the Athletics. Both pitchers have had their ups and downs this season and will be looking to provide a strong performance in this crucial matchup.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current prop odds for Shea Langeliers:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+400), Under 0.5 (-700)
• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-169), Under 0.5 (+129)
• Batter Home Runs: Over 0.5 (+400)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+170), Under 0.5 (-245)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+140), Under 0.5 (-190)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+135), Under 0.5 (-185)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 0.5 (-172), Under 0.5 (+131)

Player Analysis

Shea Langeliers has been a key player for the Athletics this season. He currently has a .287 batting average with 17 home runs and 73 RBIs. Over his last ten games, Langeliers has been particularly effective with his bat, going 14-for-36 with three doubles, a home run, and four RBIs.

His ability to hit for both average and power makes him a dangerous presence in the lineup. Langeliers has shown a knack for hitting against right-handed pitchers like Civale, which could bode well for his performance in this game. Given the odds, his over on total bases and RBIs could be worth considering.

Opposing Analysis

Facing off against Aaron Civale, Langeliers will encounter a pitcher who has struggled at times this season. Civale has a 4.78 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP, indicating he can be vulnerable, especially when facing aggressive hitters. The Brewers’ pitching staff has a collective 4.21 ERA, which further highlights the potential for offensive opportunities for the Athletics.

Additionally, Civale has allowed 88 runs in 155.1 innings pitched, which is a concerning statistic when considering Langeliers’ recent form. The Athletics will look to capitalize on any mistakes Civale makes, especially with runners on base.

Prop Analysis

When evaluating the props for Shea Langeliers, the props for over total bases and RBIs stand out. Given his recent hot streak and the favorable matchup against Civale, he has a strong chance of exceeding these thresholds.

The odds on Langeliers hitting over 0.5 RBIs (+170) suggest that the sportsbooks believe he could drive in a run. Considering the Athletics' recent offensive performance, this is a prop that could yield positive returns. Additionally, with the over on total bases set at -172, it indicates he may get at least one hit, further solidifying the potential for a solid game.

Starting Pitching Summary - Milwaukee Brewers

Aaron Civale has faced a challenging season, going 4-8 with a 4.78 ERA. Despite his struggles, he has shown flashes of brilliance with 117 strikeouts. Civale's recent performances have been inconsistent, which could play a significant role in the outcome of this game. He will need to find his rhythm early to avoid giving the Athletics any momentum.

Starting Pitching Summary - Oakland Athletics

JP Sears enters this game with a record of 10-8 and a 4.15 ERA. He has been a reliable option for the Athletics, with 110 strikeouts on the season. Sears’ ability to keep runs off the board will be critical in this matchup, especially against a Brewers lineup that can be explosive at times. His performance will set the tone for the Athletics' chances in this series opener.

Bullpen Summary - Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has been a mixed bag, with a team ERA of 4.21. They have the depth to provide solid performances but have also shown vulnerabilities in critical moments. The effectiveness of their bullpen will be crucial, particularly if Civale struggles early in the game.

Bullpen Summary - Oakland Athletics

The Athletics have a strong bullpen, with a 3.69 ERA, ranking third in the league. This depth can provide late-inning support if Sears can hand the ball off to them with a lead. Look for the Athletics' relievers to play a pivotal role if the game is close late.

Team Previews

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently first in the NL Central, with a record of 73-54. They have a collective .231 batting average and have scored 510 runs this season. Their pitching has been solid, with an ERA of 4.21. However, they have struggled against left-handed pitching, which could be a factor in this matchup.

The Oakland Athletics, on the other hand, sit at 55-73 and have a batting average of .253. Their pitching staff boasts a 3.69 ERA, making them competitive despite their overall record. With a recent uptick in performance, the Athletics are looking to capitalize on home-field advantage and build momentum against a strong Brewers team.

Team Injuries

Milwaukee Brewers

Oakland Athletics

Recent Games

Milwaukee Brewers

Oakland Athletics