Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics 9/24/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Houston Astros play the opening game of a three-game series on the road Friday against the Oakland Athletics. Houston is 91-61 following a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. The Astros have won four straight, seven of the last eight and have a magic number of three to clinch the American League West. The Astros lead the third-place Athletics by nine games. 

First baseman Yuli Gurriel is batting .319 to lead Houston and has team highs in hits with 161 and on-base percentage at .385. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has 32 home runs and 101 RBIs to lead Houston in both. On Friday, Houston will send Zack Greinke to the mound. The right-hander is 11-6 with an ERA of 4.11, 117 Ks and 36 BBs.

Oakland is 82-70 following a 4-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Oakland has lost three straight and the Athletics are on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention. Oakland is 3 ½ games behind the second-place New York Yankees in the wild card hunt but would have to pass both Seattle and Toronto and catch the Yankees with just 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule.

First baseman Matt Olson is batting .272 with 37 home runs, 104 RBIs, 144 hits and an on-base percentage of .369 to lead Oakland in each category. Third baseman Matt Chapman is second in home runs with 27 and second in RBIs with 72. On Friday, Oakland will send Frankie Montas to the mound. The right-hander is 12-9 with an ERA of 3.57, 192 Ks and 53 BBs.