On Saturday, the New York Yankees (89-63) face off against the Oakland Athletics (67-86) at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Tyler Soderstrom went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a home run for the Athletics in their 5-3 win over the Cubs on Wednesday. Stay up to date with our expert's MLB Picks.

Oakland comes into this game on a two-game winning streak, but has dropped three of their last five games prior to their series opener against New York. Brent Rooker stands out as Oakland's top slugger, having hit 38 home runs to lead the team. Close behind him in the power rankings is Shea Langeliers, who has knocked out 28 home runs so far in the season. Not only is Rooker the home run leader, but he also tops the team in RBIs, boasting 110 runs batted in. His batting prowess extends to his average as well, as he holds the highest batting average on the team at .304. Recently, the Athletics have been struggling defensively, allowing an average of 5.2 runs over their last five games. This has contributed to their fourth-place standing in the AL West Division. Despite their efforts, Oakland has been officially eliminated from playoff contention. However, they have the opportunity to disrupt other teams' ambitions, such as the New York Yankees, who are pushing for their division title. Offensively, Oakland averages 4 runs per game for the season. As they look to finish the season strong, they'll hope to play the role of spoiler against teams still vying for postseason spots.

New York enters this game on a three-game winning streak and has won four of their last five games prior to their series opener against Oakland. In their dramatic 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, the Yankees saw Anthony Rizzo play a crucial role. Rizzo had an impressive game, going 2-for-4 at the plate and driving in two runs, providing the offensive spark that New York needed. Aaron Judge has been a powerhouse for the Yankees this season, leading the team with an astonishing 53 home runs. Not far behind him is Juan Soto, who has also been a significant contributor with 40 home runs. Judge's importance is further highlighted by his team-leading 136 RBIs, making him the top run producer for New York this season. Additionally, Judge boasts the highest batting average on the team, hitting .321. Over the past five games, the Yankees have maintained a strong offensive performance, averaging 4.8 runs per game. This consistent scoring has helped them secure the top spot in the AL East Division. They currently hold a five-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees have clinched a spot in the playoffs and are now focused on winning their division outright, rather than settling for a Wild Card berth. Overall, the Yankees have been a scoring machine, averaging 5 runs per game throughout the season.

Craig's 5 Free Expert Betting Picks - Thursday 10/6/22

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