5*
(MLB) Oakland vs. LA Angels,
Money Line: -137.00 LA Angels (Home)
Result: Win
The Halos and the Athletics will be seeing a lot of each other over the next week, with this series wrapping up on Sunday and a four game set in Oakland starting on next Thursday. The A's were without Yoenis Cespedes in last night's loss in the series opener, and his status is uncertain for Game 2. C.J. Wilson will toe the rubber for the home team, and he finished the second half in top form. Wilson (9-6, 3.37 ERA) allowed a single run on just four hits over seven innings in a 13-2 win over the Cubs at Wrigley his last time out. He's 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in six starts prior to the All Star Break.
Oakland will hand the ball to Dan Straily, who wasn't as fortunate the last time he faced the Angels though, getting torched for six runs on seven hits over just 4 2/3 innings in Oakland back in April. The Angels have the 4th best team batting average in the majors, and they have won five of their last seven at home. With L.A. just a small favorite, the value lies with a play on the home team.