Game Summary

The Milwaukee Brewers will face off against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. EDT. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams. The Brewers are currently leading the NL Central with a record of 73-54, while the Athletics sit fourth in the AL West with a 55-73 record.

The Brewers enter this game having gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, though they've struggled with a .204 batting average during this stretch. Their pitching has been solid, posting a 3.33 ERA, but they have been outscored by six runs. Notable performances include Willy Adames, who has been a crucial part of the offense, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 85 runs this season.

The Athletics are also 6-4 in their last 10, with a .241 batting average and a 3.20 ERA, managing to outscore their opponents by four runs. Brent Rooker leads the Athletics with 29 home runs, showcasing a powerful bat that can change the outcome of a game. The Athletics have a solid home record at 32-33, making them a competitive opponent on their turf.

Historical matchups between these teams show that the Brewers have generally performed well against the Athletics, but with both teams battling for positioning late in the season, this game is expected to be tightly contested. The Brewers' collective on-base percentage of .331 ranks third in the majors, emphasizing their ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities.

With the pitching matchup featuring Aaron Civale for the Brewers (4-8, 4.78 ERA) and JP Sears for the Athletics (10-8, 4.15 ERA), runs may be at a premium. Civale has struggled this season, while Sears has been more consistent, adding an interesting dynamic to this matchup.

Player Prop Odds

Willy Adames Prop Odds:

• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-172) | Under 0.5 (131)
• Batter Home Runs: Over 0.5 (400)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (155) | Under 0.5 (-225)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (125) | Under 0.5 (-170)
• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (330) | Under 0.5 (-525)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (140) | Under 0.5 (-195)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 0.5 (-172) | Under 0.5 (131)

Player Analysis

Willy Adames has been a standout player for the Milwaukee Brewers this season. With a batting average of .248, he has accumulated 28 doubles and 22 home runs, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. His ability to drive in runs is evident with 85 RBIs, ranking him among the league leaders. Adames has a solid on-base percentage and has shown a propensity for coming through in clutch situations, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.

Over the last 10 games, Adames has maintained a solid performance, contributing significantly to the Brewers' offensive efforts. His ability to hit for power and average positions him well against opposing pitchers, and with the Athletics' pitching staff struggling at times this season, he could capitalize on any mistakes made by Sears.

Opposing Analysis

JP Sears, the starting pitcher for the Athletics, has had a solid season with a 4.15 ERA and 110 strikeouts. He has demonstrated the ability to keep hitters off balance, particularly against right-handed batters. Adames, being a right-handed hitter, will face a challenge against Sears, but his recent form suggests he can handle the pressure.

The Athletics' bullpen has had its ups and downs throughout the season, ranking in the middle of the pack in terms of ERA. If Sears can keep the game competitive and exit with the game still close, the Athletics' bullpen may have an opportunity to limit Adames' impact. However, if the Brewers can get to Sears early, Adames could see more favorable matchups later in the game.

Prop Analysis

Considering the odds and Adames' current form, several props stand out. The over on total hits (0.5) at -172 seems reasonable, given that he is likely to get at least one hit in this matchup. The same goes for the prop on RBIs (over 0.5 at 155), particularly with runners on base ahead of him in the batting order.

The home run prop (over 0.5 at 400) is enticing as well, especially considering Adames' power potential. However, it's a bit riskier given the quality of Sears' pitching. Ultimately, the safest bets appear to be on him recording at least one hit and potentially driving in a run.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Aaron Civale has been inconsistent this season with a 4.78 ERA and an 8-8 record. His WHIP of 1.37 indicates that he has allowed too many baserunners, which could be problematic against a team like the Athletics that can capitalize on mistakes. Civale's strikeout rate at 117 is decent, but he needs to improve his command to keep the game in check. If he can limit walks and keep the ball in the park, he could give the Brewers a fighting chance.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

JP Sears has been a bright spot for the Athletics, boasting a 4.15 ERA with a solid WHIP of 1.18. Over his 20 starts this season, he has shown the ability to pitch deep into games, which is essential for the Athletics. If he can establish his fastball early and keep hitters off balance with his off-speed pitches, he may limit the damage done by Adames and the rest of the Brewers' lineup.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has been a strong unit with a depth of options. With quality arms like Devin Williams, they have the ability to close out games effectively. However, with injuries to key pitchers, they will need to rely on their depth to maintain their performance late in games.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics' bullpen has struggled at times, ranking in the lower half of the league in ERA. With key injuries affecting their depth, they will need their starters to go deep into games to avoid overworking their relief pitchers. If Sears can pitch effectively, it will give the bullpen a chance to perform better in the later innings.

Team Previews

The Milwaukee Brewers have been solid this season, particularly on the road, with a record of 35-30. Their offense has been inconsistent, but players like Willy Adames and William Contreras are stepping up. The pitching has also been a key factor, with a team ERA of 4.21.

The Oakland Athletics, while struggling with a 55-73 record, have shown resilience at home. Their offense, led by Brent Rooker, has the potential to score runs when needed. Their team ERA of 3.69 is impressive, showcasing their ability to keep games close.

Team Injuries

Milwaukee Brewers Injuries

• Christian Yelich - Out (Back)
• Brandon Woodruff - Out (Elbow)

Oakland Athletics Injuries

• Esteury Ruiz - Expected to be out until at least Sep 1 (Wrist)

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