Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction: Framber Valdez’s Dominance Over Oakland Should Carry Tigers to Series Sweep on July 9
The Tigers have outscored the Athletics 12-3 through two games of this series, and Framber Valdez's career numbers against Oakland point to another win in the finale.
The Athletics and Detroit Tigers wrap up their three-game series at Comerica Park on Thursday night, and the tone has been set emphatically by the home team. Detroit has won both games of the set by a combined 12-3 margin, extending a hot stretch that has the Tigers pushing back toward .500 while Oakland limps into the finale on the wrong end of a five-game losing streak. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Where the Odds and Momentum Stand
Detroit opened as a solid favorite for the series finale, with the moneyline sitting at -138 for the Tigers and +119 for the Athletics as of Thursday. The run line has Detroit at -1.5 (+150) and Oakland at +1.5 (-165), while the total is set at 9.0 runs, with the over priced at -105 and the under at -114. Given how lopsided the first two games have been offensively, oddsmakers clearly expect Detroit’s lineup to keep clicking, even against a Athletics pitching staff looking to avoid a sweep.
Tigers Riding a Four-Game Winning Streak Into the Finale
Detroit has won four straight games and seven of its last eight, a stretch that has coincided with a surge from the middle of the lineup. Riley Greene has been the engine, hitting .292 with 13 home runs, 44 RBIs and an .854 OPS across 89 games, and he delivered the go-ahead RBI single in Wednesday’s 6-1 win. Spencer Torkelson has cooled at the plate to a .213 average but still supplied a fifth-inning homer, his 14th of the season, to help put Wednesday’s game away. Kerry Carpenter has provided thump in the middle of the order with 13 homers and 36 RBIs in 67 games, and catcher Jake Rogers came off the bench to pinch-hit a two-run homer in the second inning of Wednesday’s win after starter Dillon Dingler exited with a hand injury from a foul tip.
On the mound, Detroit turns to left-hander Framber Valdez, who has struggled with a 4.29 ERA and a 4-6 record across 18 starts this season, including a rough July 2 outing against Texas in which he allowed five runs in five innings. Despite the inconsistent overall numbers, Valdez has owned the Athletics throughout his career, posting an 8-4 record with a 2.57 ERA, 98 strikeouts and just 31 walks in his matchups against Oakland. That history gives Detroit real reason for optimism even with Valdez’s shakier recent form.
Athletics Looking to Avoid a Ninth Loss in Ten Games
Oakland has lost five straight games and nine of its last 10, a skid that has coincided with a string of injuries to key contributors. Designated hitter Brent Rooker is done for the season after undergoing knee surgery, shortstop Jacob Wilson only just returned from a thumb injury on July 7, and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom was activated off the injured list Wednesday after missing time with a hip issue. First baseman Nick Kurtz, one of the club’s top performers, left Wednesday’s game early with an illness and is considered day-to-day for Thursday. Catcher Shea Langeliers has also been managing a thumb injury in recent starts.
Right-hander Jack Perkins gets the ball for Oakland in the finale, and his season numbers reflect the larger struggles of the Athletics’ pitching staff. Perkins carries a 2-4 record with a 6.75 ERA across 54.2 innings, having allowed 58 hits and 41 earned runs while striking out 70 batters against 21 walks. Wednesday’s starter, Jeffrey Springs, fell to 3-9 after surrendering six runs in 4 1/3 innings, and the Athletics’ rotation has offered little resistance across the first two games of this series.
Betting Trends and Best Bet
Bettors who like to shop for value before locking in a side should check the current DraftKings promo code or the FanDuel promo code for added value on tonight’s action. Those looking to diversify into sweepstakes-style play can also explore the McLuck promo code or the Wow Vegas promo code for additional offers away from traditional sports betting.
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Detroit has clearly been the better team through two games of this series, and Framber Valdez’s dominant career history against the Athletics adds another layer of confidence in the Tigers covering as home favorites. Jack Perkins’ 6.75 ERA and an Oakland offense that has been shut down in back-to-back games make it difficult to trust the Athletics to snap their five-game skid, even with the plus-money look on the moneyline. A banged-up Athletics lineup facing a pitcher who has consistently given them trouble points toward another comfortable night for the home team.
| Tue, Sep 15 • 6:40 PM | Spread | Money | Total |
| Athletics |  +1.5 (-118) |  +200 |  O 8 (-105) |
| Tampa Bay Rays | -1.5 (-112) | -225 | U 7.5 (106) |
Prediction and Best Bet
Detroit’s offense has been rolling and Framber Valdez has a track record of shutting down this specific opponent, even during an otherwise uneven season. The Tigers should close out the series with another comfortable win.
- Prediction: Detroit Tigers 5, Athletics 2
- Best Bet: Tigers on the run line (-1.5)
With Oakland’s lineup dealing with injuries to Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom, and Valdez holding a career 2.57 ERA against the Athletics, the Tigers covering as run-line favorites is the most logical way to attack this matchup.