The Houston Astros continue their road trip in Oakland for Game 2 of this series as they look to bounce back and win their series after dropping two of three at home against the Angels when they take on the Oakland Athletics in this Saturday afternoon matchup at the Oakland Coliseum. So let's check out our MLB odds series, which includes our Astros-Athletics prediction and pick.

Astros are sitting in third place in the AL West trying to gain ground on the first-place Seattle Mariners. The Astros have now alternated wins and losses over their last couple of games even losing two of three in their series against the Los Angeles Angels. They will be looking to get over the hump after losing games by two runs or less in recent games when they head to Oakland to take on the Athletics in this Saturday afternoon matchup.

Athletics have been struggling mightily over their last 10 games but they have surprisingly taken two out of three games against the Colorado Rockies before this series with the Houston Astros. The Athletics are hoping this is when the tide changes as the weekend rolls around when the Houston Astros come to town as the Athletics to avoid yet another sweep in this Saturday afternoon matchup at the Oakland Coliseum.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Astros-Athletics Odds

Houston Astros: -1.5 (+110)

Moneyline: -142

Oakland Athletics: +1.5 (-132

Moneyline: +120

Over: 8.5 (-115)

Under: 8.5 (-105)

How to Watch Astros vs. Athletics

Time: 4:07 PM ET/1:07 PM PT

TV: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBC Sports California, MLB Extra Innings

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Astros Will Cover The Spread/Win

In the upcoming Saturday showdown, the Houston Astros, with Spencer Arrighetti on the mound, are set to face JP Sears and the Oakland Athletics on the road.

Arrighetti's performance in the 2024 season has been noteworthy. Despite a challenging ERA of 7.16, his ability to strike out 36 batters over 32.2 innings pitched demonstrates his potential to dominate any lineup when he's on his game. This strikeout capability will be crucial against an Athletics lineup that has struggled with consistency this season.

On the other side, JP Sears has shown resilience with a 4.35 ERA across his starts, but his recent performances suggest vulnerabilities that the Astros' lineup can exploit. The Athletics' pitching, including Sears, has faced challenges, particularly in providing depth into games, which could expose their bullpen to the Astros' potent offense.

The Astros' lineup boasts significant firepower, with players like Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker leading the charge. Their ability to produce runs, combined with their experience in high-pressure games, positions them advantageously against the Athletics.

Given Spencer Arrighetti's strikeout abilities, the vulnerabilities in the Athletics' pitching, and the Astros' offensive prowess, Houston is well-positioned to secure a victory against JP Sears and the Athletics this Saturday.

Why The Athletics Will Cover The Spread/Win

In the upcoming Saturday clash at the Oakland Coliseum, the Oakland Athletics, with JP Sears on the mound, are set to take on Spencer Arrighetti and the Houston Astros. This matchup presents a compelling case for why the Athletics, despite their underdog status, could emerge victorious against the Astros.

JP Sears, despite a challenging start to the 2024 season, has shown flashes of brilliance and resilience on the mound. His ability to navigate through tough situations and his recent performances suggest that he's finding his rhythm. The Athletics' bullpen, which has been solid, could play a crucial role in supporting Sears through the middle and late innings, especially considering their record of overcoming adversity.

On the other side, Spencer Arrighetti, while having a promising arm, has posted a 7.16 ERA over 32.2 innings pitched, indicating struggles with consistency. The Athletics' lineup, known for its tenacity, could exploit this vulnerability. Players like Brent Rooker, who has shown power with 11 home runs, could be key in generating offense against Arrighetti.

The Athletics have a home-field advantage and a history of rallying behind their crowd's energy, especially in crucial games. With the Athletics' determination and Sears' potential for a quality start, they have a solid chance to outperform the Astros and secure a win in this anticipated matchup.

Final Astros-Athletics Prediction & Pick

The Oakland Athletics will look to stop the bleeding in this Game 2 against the Houston Astros but unfortunately, it's a lot easier said than done. The Athletics will have a tough time keeping up with the Astros score for score in this matchup as both pitchers are more than willing to give up runs. In the end, it will be the Astros who outduel the bats of the Athletics and keep their dominance going against the bottom-feeders of Major League Baseball.

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Final Astros-Athletics Prediction & Pick: Houston Astros (-142), Over 8.5 Runs (-115)