It is hard to find anything positive about the A's at the moment, other than Friday's starter, lefty J.P. Sears. He delivers quality starts more often than not and has given up just 4 runs over 17+ innings in his last three starts, holding opponents to a very low ERA of .169 in July. Sears is better at home. The last three of his starts have been decided by one run. He'll face one of the premier left handers in the Astros' Valdez. He has struggled a little in his last three games, allowing 11 runs over 18 innings. In spite of 13 K's last time out he still allowed 5 runs over six innings. Mind you, he faces the A's and not the Angels on Friday. Valdez hasn't pitched as well on the road this year. The Astros have the superior bullpen but it hasn't been as sharp lately. About all that can be said about Oakland's relievers, is that they will be well-rested after Thursday's game.
The 5-5 Astros are not hitting especially well at the moment (.236 BA/.668 OPS L2weeks), really not much better than the A's in the same time frame. Both starters are likely to last at least 5 innings. Based on Sears' recent performances, I expect a low scoring game, and like the A's chances to keep this game close early. Take the Athletics to lead or stay close after the first five innings, and hang on to cover. A's +1 1/2