8:10pm ET / 5:10pm PT
#967-968
Oakland Athletics w/ Jackson @ Houston Astros w/ Morton
1* Play on: UNDER the TOTAL
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We finish up our TOTALS TRIPLE PLAY with a trip to the Lone Star State, and Game Two of the BIG American League West Division series between the Astros and Athletics. With only 2.5 games separating 1st place from 2nd place. In this game, we’re gonna start things off with a look at the man behind the dish. Working Game Two tonight in Houston will be another relative newcomer. That would be JORDAN BAKER. Of all 89 full-time Major League Baseball Umpires, baller is ranked in the TOP TEN in ‘UNDERS’ this season with a YTD Record of 7-16-2 O/U (70% Unders). His low average of only 7.7 combined runs per game is also ranked in the Top Ten. In terms of RECENT form, we are reminded that Baker has gone 0-3 O/U in his last three games (6.0 runs per game)… and 1-6 O/U in his last seven games dating back to the middle of July (6.5 runs per game). As far as the starting pitchers go, we begin with the fact that these two guys (Jackson and Morton) are already a combined 11-23 O/U on the season. 35-year old veteran righty Edwin Jackson of the A’s has been just what the doctor ordered. Since joining the Athletics, he’s made 11 starts since late June. His record in those starts: 1-8-2 O/U… with an ERA of only 2.97. That includes a very low 1.88 in his last five starts since the beginning of August. For the hosts, it’ll be Charlie Morton taking the mound. With a very good YTD ERA of only 3.05. He’s looked even sharper in his NIGHTTIME starts this year, with an ERA of 2.79 and a record of 5-13 O/U. UNDER bettors have to love the fact that Morton has given up only FOUR Gopher balls in his last ten starts covering 59 innings.