The Arizona Diamondbacks had lost four of five through Thursday but their management maintains that they\u2019ll be buyers leading up to the July trade deadline. <\/p>\n
MLB Betting \u2013 Diamondbacks vs Athletics Preview & Pick<\/strong> Arizona Diamondbacks (44-38 through June 30)<\/strong> It\u2019s tough to blame them, as there\u2019s plenty to like about the D-backs right now. Justin Upton is really blossoming to become the five-tool player everyone hoped he would be. Miguel Montero looks healthy and is enjoying a nice bounce-back season behind the plate.<\/p>\n Arguably, Ian Kennedy, who starts Sunday, has been the best Arizona player of all this season. He\u2019s lost just twice in 17 starts and has a healthy 97 strikeouts in 116.2 innings. He\u2019s allowed one earned run or fewer six times in his last 10 outings. Oakland also has to take notice that Kennedy is a road monster this season, going 5-0 with a 2.28 ERA in seven starts away from Chase Field.<\/p>\n Oakland Athletics (36-46 through June 30)<\/strong> The A\u2019s have been a disappointment this season, largely because their offense has been so atrocious. We expected Oakland\u2019s bats to be below-average, but that turned out to be an understatement. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Oakland is third-worst in the majors in runs per game and batting average; second-worst in OPS; and dead last in homers with a paltry 43 (less than the top two Yankee players\u2019 total). Coco Crisp leads the team in hitting at .269. Gross.<\/p>\n The A\u2019s pitching has been as good as advertised, however. Gio Gonzalez is proving last season\u2019s breakout was no fluke. Gio\u2019s walk rate remains sky-high but he\u2019s a true power pitcher, with 99 whiffs in 102 innings. Gonzalez has allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 starts.<\/p>\n ARI are 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Gonzalez gives the A\u2019s a chance to win every time he takes the hill, but I see him as a hard-luck loser on Sunday. Kennedy has been just as good and gets to face a horrifically bad Oakland lineup. On the flip side, Arizona has much more pop. I have to think the Snakes take this one.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Sunday, July 3, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>FSAZ, CSCA
\nArizona Diamondbacks at Oakland Athletics Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Oakland -118<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 6.5<\/strong>
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\nIan Kennedy (8-2, 3.01)<\/p>\n
\nGio Gonzalez (7-5, 2.38)<\/p>\nMLB Trends:<\/h3>\n
\nARI are 11-24 in their last 35 Sun. games.
\nUnder is 10-3 in Kennedys last 13 on grass.
\nUnder is 8-2 in OAK last 10 on grass.
\nUnder is 8-2 in OAK last 10 overall.
\nUnder is 19-7-2 in OAK last 28 interleague games.
\nARI are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Oakland.
\nARI are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB pick:<\/h3>\n