This is an 8* play on OAKLAND

Oakland has really taken on it on the chin in the first two games of this series, losing 11-3 and 5-2. After winning their first five games post-All Star Break, things have really grinded to a halt for the A's as they're now just 3-6 the last nine games, which obviously hurts in a hotly contested Wild Card race. It's not like Texas had been playing well coming into this series either. They'd dropped 9 of 10, which basically killed their own faint Wild Card hopes. Despite losing the first two games, the A's remain a big favorite for Saturday in a battle of two struggling starting pitchers. Adrian Sampson has been used both as a reliever and as a starter by the Rangers and truth be told neither role has suited him very well. He's gone 0-3 in his last six appearances with a 9.84 ERA. His last two starts have resulted in him giving up 13 runs and 19 hits in 8 2/3 innings. Oakland goes with Homer Bailey, who is making his third start since coming over from Kansas City. The less said about the last one the better, but he did deliver a quality start in his home debut vs. Seattle on 7.17. The A's have won 18 of the last 22 times they've been a home favorite of -175 or more and we think they're the play here. Play on OAKLAND

AAA