Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Oakland Athletics: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 1, 2024 3:37 PM

Published on:

May 1, 2024 7:34 AM

The Oakland Athletics aim to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates in their three-game series on May 1, 2024, at the Oakland Coliseum. With the Athletics leading the series 2-0, they'll look to capitalize on their home advantage, where they hold a 6-9 record. Under clear skies and a mild 55-degree temperature, the Pirates will attempt to salvage a win, despite their 9-10 road record.

Written by

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Probable Pitchers

Quinn Priester, the probable starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, will look to secure his first win of the season against the Oakland Athletics, hoping to build on his 8 strikeouts and 3.48 ERA in his previous outings. With a WHIP of 1.16, Priester will aim to limit the Athletics' bats and come out on top in the upcoming matchup.

Ross Stripling, the probable starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, will look to secure his first win of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite boasting a respectable 25 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched. Stripling's 4.98 ERA and 1.49 WHIP will be put to the test against a Pirates lineup that has shown flashes of power this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up to face the Oakland Athletics, their batting stats suggest a few key areas to watch. With a 3rd-ranked 122 walks, the Pirates have shown an ability to work the count and get on base, but their 5th-highest 283 strikeouts could be a liability against the A's. The Pirates' leaders, Connor Joe and Bryan Reynolds, will need to be at the top of their game - Joe's .292 batting average and Reynolds' 4 home runs and 17 RBIs will be crucial in generating offense. However, with a 22nd-ranked .232 batting average, the team will need to find ways to manufacture runs against a stout A's pitching staff. Quinn Priester, the probable starter, will need to have a strong outing to keep the game competitive, especially given the Pirates' 20th-ranked 109 runs scored.

Oakland Athletics Analysis

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face off against the Oakland Athletics, they'll be looking to capitalize on the Athletics' weaknesses at the plate. Oakland's batting stats paint a concerning picture, with the team ranking near the bottom of the league in runs scored, hits, and batting average. Their 29th-ranked 88 runs scored and 200 hits are a testament to their struggles to generate offense. However, they do boast a strong power game, with 33 home runs, tied for 7th in the league. Pirates pitchers will need to be mindful of Shea Langeliers, who leads the team with 6 home runs, and Brent Rooker, who's driven in 13 runs. If the Pirates can limit the Athletics' power threats and exploit their inconsistencies at the plate, they'll be well on their way to a win.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Injuries

Oakland Athletics

Norge Ruiz (SP): Out
J.D. Davis (3B): 10-Day-IL
Jack Perkins (SP): Day-To-Day
Scott Alexander (RP): 15-Day-IL
Freddy Tarnok (RP): 15-Day-IL

Pittsburgh Pirates

Yasmani Grandal (C): 10-Day-IL
Thomas Harrington (SP): Day-To-Day
Cristofer Melendez (SP): Out
Ryan Borucki (RP): 15-Day-IL
Marco Gonzales (SP): 15-Day-IL

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Betting Odds

The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently favored to win, with odds of -120, while the Oakland Athletics are underdogs, after opening as slight favorites at -110; the Over/Under for the game is set at 8.5.

You can find real-time odds here powered by the Optimal app.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Oakland Athletics Prediction

"I'm guessing the Pirates will swoop in and steal this one, but let's be real, it'll be a close game with a final score of Pirates 5, Athletics 4 – after all, who doesn't love a good walk-off?"