Philadelphia Phillies vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions July 13th 2024

Athletics Look for Another Surprise Win Over Phillies

Overview

After a close to home three-game series clear of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies bombed in their opener against the Oakland Athletics. The Phillies lost 6-2 on Friday and showed up off kilter all through. Philadelphia will currently hope to refocus when it has the An’s again on Saturday.

Friday Game Recap

Cristian Pache hit a RBI twofold and Edmundo Sosa added a RBI single for the Phillies’ just runs on Friday. The dissatisfaction rose over when Trea Turner was called out on strikes for the second out in the eighth inning and was promptly tossed out of the game for contending with plate umpire David Rackley.

To keep things in context, the Phillies actually own the best record in the major leagues, a differentiation they will hold at the All-Star break no matter what their outcomes Saturday and Sunday.

Supervisor’s Point of view

“We had potential open doors, yet they sort of closed us down,” Phillies director Loot Thomson said.

Phillies’ Pitching Plans

The Phillies will hand the ball on Saturday to newbie Tyler Phillips (0-0, 2.25 ERA). The right-hander’s solitary past major league appearance was a four-inning help stretch on Sunday, when he struck out seven and allowed one run against the Atlanta Braves. Presently he will make his most memorable big-league start.

“He was pretty excited when I told him,” Thomson said. “I expect he’ll be excited Saturday.”

Roster Changes

Before the Friday game, the Phillies released Whit Merrifield and recalled Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Merrifield was signed to a one-year, $8 million deal before the season to bolster the bench but batted just .199 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 53 games for Philadelphia.

Wilson had a .240 average, 18 homers and 55 RBIs in 71 games for Lehigh Valley.

“One, Wilson’s hot and we’re trying to get that thump from the right side, and, you know, we thought it was gonna be Whit,” Thomson said. “As hard as he worked at it, it’s a tough job, as I’ve said many times but you know, it wasn’t coming, so we thought well let’s take a look at Wilson.”

On Friday, Wilson started in left field, finished the game at second base and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run.

Athletics’ Recent Performance

The A’s will shoot for their third win in four games on Saturday. The latest victory was sealed when Lawrence Butler hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, the first pinch-hit long ball of his career. Shea Langeliers added two singles and two RBIs, and Brent Rooker contributed two hits and an RBI. Miguel Andujar also had an RBI single for the balanced A’s, who won on the road for just the 14th time in 49 tries this season.

Stay Ahead with Up-to-Date MLB Odds and Scores! Check Live MLB Lines to stay informed and bet smart.

Key Players

Rooker continued to produce at a high level, though he wasn’t selected for the upcoming All-Star Game. He is batting .281 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs.

“I think I’m deserving to be there, but there’s no one there that’s not deserving,” Rooker said. “I’m proud of the first half I’ve had. I’m looking forward to continue doing what I’m doing and trying to win games.”

Athletics’ Strategy

The A’s went 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the opener against the Phillies.

“Great at-bats,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “We talked a lot about having to battle. We’ve struck out a lot this year. … The guys made a commitment to grind out at-bats, trying to put the ball in play with two strikes and use the middle of the field, and we had success.”

Pitching Matchup

Freshman Mitch Spence (5-5, 4.29 ERA) is supposed to start for the An’s on Saturday. In the right-hander’s most recent excursion, against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, he allowed seven hits and five runs (four acquired) in six or more innings. Spence has never confronted the Phillies.

The two groups will be hoping to get a success, with the Phillies planning to recapture their energy and the Athletics wanting to proceed with their new flood.