The Athletics and the New York Yankees will play the rubber game of their 3-game set this afternoon at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The 35-23 Yankees sit just 1.5 games back of the struggling Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the AL East and will catch them. It’s just a matter of time. The Yankees have been hot, winning 5 of their last 6, and are 18-14 away from the Bronx. Will Warren is expected to get the start for New York and he has been delivering. Warren is 6-1 with a 3.55 ERA and an excellent WHIP of 1.17. The Athletics are under .500, at 28-30. They are a dismal 11-16 at home and are just 1-4 in their last 5 games in West Sac. Today’s expected starter for the A’s is southpaw Jacob Lopez. He is 4-2 with an elevated ERA of 5.73 and a 1.77 WHIP which is not good when you are facing the Bombers who are averaging 5 runs per game. New York has the edge in runs scored, run differential, homers, team ERA, and more times than not have success against a left-handed starter.
TODAY’S PICK: NEW YORK YANKEES