Astros at Athletics 8/7/20 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Houston Astros open a three-game series on the road Friday against American League West rivals the Oakland Athletics. Houston dropped to 6-5 following its 14-7 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr suffered the loss and dropped to 1-1. Kyle Tucker,  AbrahamToro and George Springer each homered for the Astros in the loss.

Michael Brantley is leading Houston in hitting with a batting average of .438. George Springer is the leader in home runs with three and RBIs with 12. Carlos Correa is leading in hits with 16. On Friday, the Astros will send Zack Greinke to the mound. The right-hander is 0-0 with an ERA of 5.00, 6 Ks and 2 BBs. 

Oakland improved to 8-4 following its 6-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Oakland has won five straight and holds a 1 ½ - game lead over the Houston Astros at the top of the AL West. Matt Olson hit a pair of home runs and Ramon Laureano went deep as well in the Oakland victory over Texas.

Ramon Laureano is leading Oakland in hitting with a batting average of .293, in RBIs with 10 and hits with 12. Matt Olson and Laureano are the leaders in home runs with three apiece. On Friday, Oakland will send Chris Bassitt to the mound. The right-hander is 1-0 with an ERA of 0.93, 12 Ks and 1 BBs.