Looks like we're heading to the Oakland Coliseum, where the friendly seagulls might just be the most dependable fans. The visiting Los Angeles Dodgers are up against the Oakland Athletics.
Taking the mound for the Dodgers, we have River Ryan. With a rather imposing 0.87 ERA and a splendid WHIP of 1.17 from 2 appearances, you have to feel for anybody who has to step up to the plate against him. Like, say, the A's and their poor bat rack. Sadly for Oakland fans, Osvaldo Bido on the flip side is just shy of a respectable 5.27 ERA and boasts 9.8 K/9 from 9 appearances so far this season.
The Dodgers have a few angels on their side, and they've got more heat than a summer barbeque. Gavin Lux, for example, with a .314 batting average and 15 RBI, has been serving up trouble for opposing teams. Not to mention Teoscar Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani, those gentlemen certainly give the balls a good talking-to, adding an impressive series of stats to their career albums.
Oakland, in contrast, are not just making up the numbers- they've got Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler. Rooker, with a .356 batting average, seems like a man on a mission, and Butler has been no slouch either.
Looking back at past encounters, the Dodgers have been to Oakland's backyard and come out on top more times than the A's would like to remember. Recent form has also been in favor of the sunny-side-up L.A. team, with a 64-47 season record, compared to the Athletics' well, frankly depressing 46-66. But hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
With the given arsenal of players and pitching line, incorporating the past history and current form, it seems like the Dodgers have the upper hand. Hence, buckle up, because we’re about to see the Dodgers do to the A’s what I do to the all-you-can-eat buffet line at Golden Corral. Stand back, Oakland.
Albert’s Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers by 3