Boston Red Sox (Pivetta) vs. Oakland A’s (Kaprielian)

As momentum goes, The Red Sox had it, Oakland not so much. Last night, the A’s prevailed with a much needed victory in the twelfth. The A’s are struggling at 5-5, and lost a heart-breaker to Boston on Friday, also in extra innings. Perhaps last night’s win will jump-start them.

Red Sox are 7-4, and have a very good away record, but face the better starter in Kaprielian. In his rookie year he has posted enviable stats, including a WHIP of 1.1 and an average of 6 innings pitched per start.

For the Red Sox, Nick Pivetta starts. He is 6-3, but that doesn’t paint a true picture of his season. In his last 7 starts, be is 1-3 with an ERA of 5.50. His control has been off and, of note, he has a very poor ERA in day games.

There is no doubt that Boston has real offensive muscle, and has pummeled poor pitching in this last winning streak. The A’s offense has been anemic of late, but A’s batters looked better last night.

The wager

When in doubt, go with the better pitching. Look for the A’s to continue to turn around this home stand. Oakland A’s to WIN.