Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers (73-54) will visit the Oakland Athletics (55-73) at the Oakland Coliseum on August 23, 2024, for the start of a three-game series. Milwaukee is currently sitting first in the NL Central, while Oakland is fourth in the AL West. The Brewers have been consistent this season with a solid record on the road (35-30), and they boast a .331 on-base percentage, ranking third in the majors.

In their last ten games, the Brewers have gone 6-4, although they've struggled a bit offensively, managing a .204 batting average and being outscored by six runs. In contrast, the Athletics have also gone 6-4 with a .241 batting average and have outscored their opponents by four runs, showcasing a better pitching ERA of 3.20 in that stretch.

This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season, adding an element of intrigue as both squads look to establish their dominance early. The Brewers will send Aaron Civale (4-8, 4.78 ERA, 117 strikeouts) to the mound, while JP Sears (10-8, 4.15 ERA, 110 strikeouts) will take the hill for the Athletics.

Historically, the Brewers have had success against the Athletics, and with players like Willy Adames and William Contreras contributing significantly, Milwaukee fans will be optimistic about their chances.

Notable performers include Brent Rooker for the Athletics, who leads the team with 29 home runs, while Contreras has shown consistency with a .287 batting average and 22 home runs this season.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for William Contreras:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+340), Under -550
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+198)
• Batter Home Runs: Over 0.5 (+450)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+165), Under -235
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+125), Under -170
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-115), Under -120
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+128), Under -167

Player Analysis

William Contreras has been a key player for the Brewers this season. His batting average of .287 is impressive, and he has recorded 22 home runs, showing his power at the plate. In the last 10 games, he has been hitting well and is a critical component of the Brewers' lineup. His ability to drive in runs is evident, as he has 73 RBIs this season, ranking high among catchers.

Contreras has also seen a rise in his performance against right-handed pitchers, which could play to his advantage against Sears, who is a right-handed starter. His on-base skills, combined with his power, make him a threat every time he steps to the plate.

Opposing Analysis

JP Sears will be on the mound for the Athletics, and while he has had a decent season with a 4.15 ERA and 110 strikeouts, he has shown vulnerability, particularly against hitters with strong averages. Opposing hitters have a .254 batting average against him, which is higher than what you'd want from a starting pitcher.

The Athletics' defense will need to be sharp to contain Contreras and the rest of the Brewers' lineup. Oakland's bullpen has been relatively reliable, but they will be tested if Sears struggles early in the game. The Athletics have a solid ERA of 3.69 overall, which speaks to their pitching depth.

Prop Analysis

Considering the current prop odds, betting on William Contreras to hit over 0.5 home runs at +450 could be a lucrative option, given his power and Sears' tendency to give up long balls. Additionally, the over on 0.5 RBIs at +165 is appealing, as Contreras frequently finds ways to drive in runs, especially with runners on base.

Another interesting prop is the over on total bases at 1.5 (+128). With Contreras's ability to hit for both average and power, he could easily surpass this mark in a single game. Conversely, the under on RBIs (-235) does not seem favorable, as he has been consistently productive this season.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Aaron Civale will be taking the mound for the Brewers. Despite his 4-8 record and a 4.78 ERA, he has shown flashes of brilliance with 117 strikeouts. Civale has been effective in limiting walks, which has allowed him to pitch deeper into games. His recent performances have been improving, which could bode well for the Brewers in this matchup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

JP Sears carries a 10-8 record with a 4.15 ERA. His ability to get strikeouts is a bright spot, but he has been prone to giving up home runs. If Contreras can capitalize on his mistakes, the Brewers could have a productive night at the plate. Sears's recent form has been solid, but he needs to avoid the long ball to keep the Athletics in contention.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has been a mixed bag this season. With a few key injuries, they have had to lean on their depth. However, they are capable of closing out games effectively. The effectiveness of the bullpen will be crucial if Civale struggles early, as they need to keep the game close for Contreras and the offense to find their rhythm.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics have shown promise with a solid bullpen, but they need to maintain consistency. If Sears cannot provide a strong start, the Athletics' bullpen will face pressure. They have a strong ERA of 3.69, which can be a key factor in keeping the game competitive.

Team Previews

The Brewers have a well-rounded team with strong hitting and pitching. Their success comes from a combination of solid starting pitching and a powerful lineup. Players like Willy Adames and Contreras are essential for their offensive output.

On the other hand, the Athletics have struggled this season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance. With a potent offense led by Brent Rooker, they can score runs quickly. However, their pitching staff must step up to keep them competitive in games.

Team Injuries

Injuries can impact team performance significantly. Here’s a quick look at the injury reports:

Milwaukee Brewers Injuries

• Christian Yelich: 10-Day IL (back)
• Brandon Woodruff: 60-Day IL (elbow)
• Rob Zastryzny: 15-Day IL (elbow)

Oakland Athletics Injuries

• Esteury Ruiz: 10-Day IL (wrist)
• Scott Alexander: 15-Day IL (rotator cuff)

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