Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers (74-54) are set to take on the Oakland Athletics (55-74) in game two of their three-game series at the Oakland Coliseum on August 24, 2024, at 4:07 PM EDT. The Brewers come into this game with a 1-0 series lead after defeating the Athletics 11-3 in the opener. The Brewers currently sit first in the NL Central, while the Athletics are fourth in the AL West.

In their last ten games, the Brewers have a 7-3 record with a 3.13 ERA, showing solid pitching and decent hitting. On the other hand, the Athletics are 5-5 and have struggled with a .225 batting average over their last ten games, coupled with a higher 3.70 ERA. Historically, the Brewers have outperformed the Athletics in recent matchups, and with their current form, they look to extend their winning streak.

Key players to watch include the Brewers' William Contreras, who has been a reliable presence at the plate, and Brent Rooker of the Athletics, who leads the team in home runs. The Brewers’ pitching will be headed by Colin Rea, boasting an impressive 3.52 ERA, while the Athletics will counter with Joseph Boyle, who has struggled this season with a 6.21 ERA.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for William Contreras:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+330)
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+250)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+130)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (-115)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-115)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+120)

Player Analysis

William Contreras has been a standout player for the Brewers this season. With a batting average of .287, he has shown consistency at the plate. Over the last ten games, Contreras has gone 11-for-36 with two doubles and three home runs, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.

Contreras has a total of 73 RBIs this season, showcasing his ability to drive in runs. He has also recorded 17 home runs, which speaks to his power-hitting ability. His recent form suggests that he is well-positioned to exceed the player prop odds set for RBIs and runs scored in this matchup.

Opposing Analysis

Contreras will be facing Joseph Boyle, a pitcher with a 6.21 ERA, indicating potential vulnerabilities in his performance. The Athletics' pitching staff has struggled against strong hitters, and Contreras's recent form could exploit these weaknesses. The Athletics' defense has been shaky, with a 3.70 ERA over the last ten games, which could lead to scoring opportunities for Contreras.

Prop Analysis

Let's evaluate the player props:

• Doubles (Over 0.5): At +330, this is a tempting wager considering Contreras's capability to find gaps in the field.
• Hits (Over 1.5): Given his batting average and recent performance, betting on him to achieve more than 1.5 hits is a reasonable expectation.
• RBIs (Over 0.5): With his ability to drive in runs, this prop seems favorable, especially if he gets a few at-bats with runners on base.
• Runs Scored (Over 0.5): Given the Brewers' offensive prowess, it’s likely that Contreras could cross home plate.
• Singles (Over 0.5): With his consistent hitting, this is another prop that holds value.
• Total Bases (Over 1.5): This prop is appealing as Contreras has the potential for multiple hits during the game.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Colin Rea will be on the mound for the Brewers. His record stands at 11-4 with a 3.52 ERA and 108 strikeouts this season. Rea has consistently kept opponents at bay, allowing him to contribute significantly to the Brewers' success. His ability to limit runs should support the Brewers' offense well in this matchup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

Joseph Boyle, the Athletics' starter, has a record of 3-5 with a 6.21 ERA. His struggles this season could be a significant factor for the Brewers, especially if he continues to allow runs. Boyle's inconsistency might give Contreras ample opportunity to capitalize on mistakes.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has been solid this season, with a combined ERA of 4.25. Their ability to close out games effectively has been crucial in maintaining leads. This depth allows for a strong finish if Rea can provide a quality start.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics have struggled with their bullpen, contributing to their poor overall performance. The bullpen's combined ERA is higher than the league average, which could lead to scoring opportunities for the Brewers late in the game.

Team Previews

Brewers: With a .230 batting average and 513 runs scored this season, the Brewers have relied heavily on their pitching. Their current 7-3 form indicates they are hitting their stride at the right moment.

Athletics: The Athletics have managed a .254 batting average, with 614 runs scored. However, their pitching has often let them down, leading to a disappointing season overall.

Team Injuries

Here is a list of key injuries impacting both teams:

• Athletics: Esteury Ruiz (LF, Wrist, Expected to be out until at least Sep 1)
• Brewers: Rob Zastryzny (RP, Elbow, Expected to be out until at least Aug 30)
• Brewers: Brandon Woodruff (SP, Shoulder, Out for the season)

Recent Games

Recent performances of both teams show mixed results:

Milwaukee Brewers Recent Games

• W vs Oakland (11-3)
• L vs St. Louis (0-3)
• L vs St. Louis (10-6)
• W vs Atlanta (8-3)
• W vs Atlanta (6-2)

Oakland Athletics Recent Games

• L vs Milwaukee (3-11)
• W vs Tampa Bay (3-0)
• L vs Tampa Bay (1-0)
• L vs Tampa Bay (4-2)
• W vs San Francisco (2-0)