Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction: Can You Count On Frankie Montas and the Athletics in Game 2?

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction: Can You Count On Frankie Montas and the Athletics in Game 2?

There are two doubleheaders on the slate today as baseball returns from the all-star break. There's the Yankees and Astros...and then there's the Athletics and Tigers. These are two very different series from a skill point, but the better bet lands in game two between the Athletics and Tigers. Neither of these teams is headed for the playoffs as they are two of the worst teams in the AL, but even in bad games, fan-wise, there is betting value. Lets dive into Game 2 between the Athletics vs Tigers.

Athletics vs. Tigers Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: July 21, 2022
• Game Time: 7:07 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLB.TV

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Athletics vs Tigers Line Movement

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction

The most important thing to remember about doubleheaders is that they are often split at one win a piece. Over the last ten years, sweeps are coming at a 47% rate in doubleheaders, and they happen more often with the home team. Road sweeps are very rare in doubleheaders, as the average this season is 18.9% for road team sweeps. This is also the Tigers, who are one of the worst teams on the road in the league, with a 15-31 road record. Needless to say, there's a very good chance the Athletics can win one of these games. The books think it is game two, and so do I. From an odds standpoint, the books are anticipating a split in the doubleheader today, as the Tigers are -150 in game one and +135 in game two. I will bite and back the Athletics in Game 2, who we rarely ever see as favorites this season.

Going off the doubleheader splits trend, if there were a game to back the Athletics, game two makes much more sense. Looking at the pitching matchups, the Tigers are starting reliable and talented Tarik Skubal in Game 1, then turn to much less reliable Garrett Hill in Game 2, who will be starting just his third game in the MLB. On the other side, the Athletics are doing pretty much the opposite, starting rookie Zach Logue in Game 1, then turning to the ace of the rotation in Game 2, Frankie Montas.

Frankie Montas has been pitching very well this season, but the Athletics have not been able to get it done in his starts. The Athletics are 1-13 in Montas' last 14 games, despite a sub-three ERA in those 14 starts. This is because the Athletics lineup is frankly atrocious. However, they have an excellent chance to hit against rookie Garrett Hill today, who has a 5.73 ERA over his first two MLB starts. Hill has yet to pitch outside of the AL Central, and in his one lone start on the road, he was hit hard by the White Sox for six runs in five innings.

The Tigers have more talent overall and should win the first game behind Tarik Skubal, but the second game leaves a much bigger question mark. This is one of the highest lines we have seen on the Athletics this season, but for a good reason. Usually, if a line looks way off, it means it will hit. Frankie Montas is due for a win, and the Tigers are 3-13 in their last 16 meetings at Oakland Coliseum. The Athletics are also 4-1 against the Tigers this season, and the one game they lost was against Tarik Skubal. Back the lowly A's to come away with at least one win today.

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Pick

Play: Athletics Game Two ML @ -155 (Bet $155 to win $100)

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