The Oakland Athletics have surprised the online sports betting world with their play in July, recording the best record in a single month throughout July to climb in to the American League playoff race. Even more impressive than the level of success they have achieved over the last 25 days is the fact thatOakland may actually be improving with every passing week. The Athletics pushed their July record to 16-2 with their biggest win of the season so far, dismantling the injury-plagued Toronto Blue Jays in a 16-0 shutout win. The loss was the most lopsided shutout defeat ever for the Blue Jays, and it represents just one more boost in confidence for anOakland team that has set its sights on the postseason.
When the MLB added that second Wild Card spot for the 2012 season, few outside the Athletics’ organization expected this team to be among those in 5Dimes contention to qualify for it. However, Oakland has defied conventional logic with an incredible run over the past three weeks, finding ways to win games that most bookies feel they have no business even being in, and then running away with others. The Athletics have followed up a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees with consecutive wins over the Blue Jays to take over the top Wild Card position, and are now just give games back of the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West.
Even more impressive than the fact that Oaklandhas been so good is how they have been so good, failing to overwhelm many teams in the dominant fashion that its sports betting record might suggest. While winning 16 of 18 games would lead the casual observer to believe the Athletics are among the most complete teams in baseball, this is a group that ranks in the bottom third of the league in runs scored. Josh Reddick leads the offense with a .272 average, 21 home runs and 57 runs, while Yoenis Cespedes has been a surprise star with a team-high 50 RBI for an Oakland group that ranks 25th in the majors in runs scored. The Athletics’ pitching has been lights out, ranking third in the majors in ERA, and eighth in quality starts, and will need to lean heavily on their rotation to sustain a high level of success and finish strong.
Another factor that appears to be working in Oakland’s favor is the strength of schedule, with tough series’ against the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox followed by dates with the Royals, Indians, Twins, and Rays. The Athletics have come out of nowhere to surprise everyone through the month of July, perhaps even themselves. However, as long as they continue to find ways to win, the team’s overall confidence will continue to grow, and that will make Oaklanda stronger team as the regular season progresses. For more Athletics’ news and all of their game odds, check out the best sports betting sites.
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