Astros vs Athletics Preview & Prediction: Records, pitching matchups, head to head and more | Game 3, May 26, 2024

After winning the first game of the series against the Oakland Athletics on Friday, the Houston Astros again hit a block as they faced a humiliating 3-1 defeat against the A's in Game 2 on Saturday. This is not the first series between both sides this season.

A couple of weeks ago, they had another four-game series between them and the Astros won it with a clear sweep. However, this time things seem to have changed a lot, with both teams having equal chances of winning this series, with the series finale to be played on Sunday.

Game 2 was frustrating for Joe Espada and his men. A's took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning as JJ Bleday and Abraham Toro both scored. Then, in the sixth inning, Mauricio Dubón scored for the Astros, making it 2-1.

However, in the same inning, Seth Brown scored for the A's, taking their lead further to 3-1, which ultimately became the final scoreline of the game.

Both teams will now focus on the third and final game of this series.

Astros vs. Athletics: Head-to-Head

The series finale between the Astros and Athletics will be held on Sunday, May 26th, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum from 4:07 PM EDT. Fans can view it live on SCHN and also online on FUBO TV.

This East-West rivalry has a long-standing past. To date, the division rivals have faced each other 206 times. The Astros have had the upper hand in this rivalry with a 112-94 record over the A's.

Astros vs. Athletics: Pitching Predictions

For the Astros, Ronel Blanco will take the mound. He has played and started eight games for his side and holds a record of 4-0 with an ERA and WHIP of 2.09 and 1.06, respectively. He has 45 strikeouts under his belt this season.

Aaron Brooks is set to start things off for the A's on the mound. The 34-year-old veteran pitcher has played and started just two games for his side this season, holding a record of 0-1 with an ERA of 4.15 and WHIP of 1.15, along with eight strikeouts.

Astros vs. Athletics: Prediction

After two games of this series and both teams standing with one win each, this series finale is set to be a neck-to-neck battle between both teams. However, the Astros seem to be the favorite to win Game 3 against A's.

The Astros' hitting lineup with players like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker is going to present a challenge to A's pitchers.

However, even if they find a way around the hitters, the A's still have to face the fearsome pitching lineup of the Astros, where they have the likes of Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly and Justin Verlander.