When is it the perfect time to start suggesting that a division race might be over? As we head into the Memorial Day weekend in the United States, there are a couple of teams who have opened up rather heft leads in their respective divisions. While a 7- or 8-game lead may seem unassailable, it is worth remembering that there is still somewhere in the region of three-quarters of the season still to be played. The simple answer to the earlier question would appear to be that we are not yet anywhere near to seeing any of the division races being over right now.

One of the divisions that have seen a team separate from the pack is the AL West, where the Houston Astros have surged out to a 7-game lead. It now seems like a very long time ago that the Seattle Mariners were on top when in actual fact it is just a few weeks. Their drop has been precipitous, while the Oakland Athletics are now off the bottom and rolling. It is these two teams who will meet on Friday night a part of a weekend series. The A’s are favored by 1 ½, with the run total set at 9 ½.

Mariners vs Athletics MLB Spread & Game Preview

Almost back.

Kyle Seager is slated to make his 2019 debut this weekend in Oakland.

• When: Friday, May 24 at 10 PM EST
• Where: Alameda Coliseum, Oakland
• Starting Pitchers: LeBlanc vs. Mengden
• TV: ESPN+
• Radio: 95.7 The Game
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Oakland Athletics -170 (Total 9.5)

Braves vs Cardinals MLB Odds, Game Info & Expert Pick

Why bet on the Seattle Mariners?

The Mariners fall from grace this season has truly been something to behold. In the very early going, they looked like a team that was going to be tough to beat, but they have since become something of a whipping bot. They have gone from the top of the AL West to the cellar in a heartbeat, where they now reside with a 23-29 record. They come into this one having lost 3 straight games, while only picking up 3 wins in their last 10.

More importantly, though, they have been totally bleeding runs and have now given up 309 on the season. They have surrendered double-digit runs in an astonishing 4 of their last 10 games, which means that the OVER might be worth a look. On the road, they are 13-15 SU and 10-8 ATS as a road dog. Wade LeBlanc (2-1, 7.36 ERA) will start for the Mariners.

Team Stats

• Runs: 5.21
• Hits: 8.33
• Walks: 3.56
• Strike Outs: 9.83

Defense

• Runs: 5.94
• Hits: 9.63
• Walks: 3.25
• Strike Outs: 8.00

Why bet on the Oakland A’s?

While the Marines sink like a stone, the Oakland A’s continue to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, coming into this game on the crest of a 6-game win streak. While that is indeed a run to be proud of, the A’s still have some work to do to get back into the playoff conversation. As it stands right now, they are sitting with a .500 record at 25-25, which has them 7 ½ games off the pace being set by the Houston Astros.

They have a real opportunity to continue with their positive run, though, as they have their next 9 games at home, where they are 14-10 this season. Oakland is also on a 6-game streak of covering the spread and have also covered in 8 of their last 10. They will send Daniel Mengden (1-1, 3.65 ERA) to the mound on Friday night.

Team Stats

• Runs: 4.80
• Hits: 8.42
• Walks: 3.54
• Strike Outs: 7.70

Defense

• Runs: 4.36
• Hits: 8.06
• Walks: 3.38
• Strike Outs: 8.06

How to Bet Red Sox vs Astros MLB Spread & Expert Pick

Mariners vs Athletics MLB Betting Trends

• Mariners are 0-7 SU in their last 7 games on the road
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
• Athletics are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the American League
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland’s last 6 games at home

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

Oakland may well be without slugger Khris Davis on Friday night, but given how the Mariners have been playing, you wonder if his absence will even be an issue. I am on Oakland to get the job done, covering the spread in the process.

Score: Seattle Mariners 3 – Oakland Athletics 6