This is an 8* SPECIAL on the UNDER A's/Royals.

The A's have lost three in a row and their losing ground now in the wildcard race. That includes yesterday's humbling 10-7 defeat here.

Oakland has also seen the total go OVER in three of its last four, but I believe that Wednesday's contest finally sets up as more of a "DUEL."

The visitors go with Sean Manaea, who is 9-9 with a 3.79 ERA and who comes in off a gem against the White Sox on Thursday, holding them to one run and striking out nine over seven innings in the victory. It was his 14th quality start of the year.

The home side counters with Mike Minor, who is 8-12 with a 5.05 ERA, but who has shown some promise of late. Most recently he allowed zero runs over six innings with zero walks and three K's in an unfortunate no-decision to Baltimore.

Minor has for sure turned the corner, as he's posted a solid 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 28:4 K:BB over his last 33.1 innings of work.

Look for these two competent starters to battle deep and for this total to fall UNDER once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP