Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics Free MLB Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 4/17/2014
Friday, April 18, 10:05 PM on CSNH, CSCA
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
Houston - Cosart, J (1-1) vs. Oakland - Gray, S (2-0)
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Sonny Gray will be looking to keep his perfect record intact when the Oakland Athletics host Jarred Cosart and the Houston Astros Friday night.
Jarred Cosart had his best start of the young season on Saturday when he was able to go seven strong innings against the Texas Rangers. He gave up three earned runs on six hits while striking out eight and walking two. Cosart didn't end up factoring into the decision, but the Astros did end up winning the game 6-5.
No one in the Athletics' current lineup has faced Cosart more than six times. Josh Donaldson has faced the young right-hander five times and has four hits against him, including a double. Brandon Moss is 0-for-5 with one strikeout against Cosart.
Sonny Gray is looking like an early Rookie of the Year favorite in the AL after pitching seven more great innings in his outing against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. He gave up just one run on five hits in the game while striking out a season-high nine batters and walking two. He now has a 2-0 record and an excellent 0.95 ERA on the season.
Marc Krauss is one Astros' hitter who will not be looking forward to facing Gray again after striking out four times in six career matchups. Alex Presley has two hits, including one double, in six career plate appearances against Gray.
Houston Betting Trends
Houston is 7-8-0 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Houston is -1.7
Oakland Betting Trends
Oakland is 7-8-0 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Oakland is +1.3
Injuries to Watch
Houston
03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Asher Wojcie Side 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 15-day DL (3/21)
Oakland
04/16/14 CF Coco Crisp Hamstring questionable Friday vs Houston Astros
04/15/14 P Scott Kazmir Tricep probable Saturday vs. Houston Astros
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 15-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Eric O'Flaherty Elbow 60-day DL (2/17)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season
Tony's Pick: Take Oakland
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