After a chaotic game 1, the Oakland Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks meet up again in the second of a 3 game interleague series. Despite the D'backs three game winning streak, don't we feel more confident riding the underdog in our MLB picks?

MLB betting odds have the D'Backs as a -142 favorite and the betting total for the game is 9.

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I'm 6-1 in my last 7 underdog picks therefore I suggest you keep reading as I have a pot of gold waiting at the end of this rainbow......I mean article!

Oakland really let Friday's game get away from them as they had a 6-0 lead that would turn into an eventual 9-8 Arizona victory after Ryan Roberts 9th inning 3 run walkoff home run.

Pitching in this matchup will be right hander Trevor Cahill (3-5, 3.45) for Arizona and he'll be opposed by Ft. Wayne, Indiana product Jarrod Parker (2-2, 2.40) pitching for the A's. First pitch is set for 10:10 pm ET as this is the sole late game in Major League Baseball.



Pitcher's duel

Jarrod ParkerAside from the Athletics and their lack of offensive productivity, both of these pitchers have been very effective as of late.

Oakland has to go into this game very confident as Parker has given up just 1 run in his last 3 outings. That's a span of 21 innings! Jarrod Parker has done it all season long as his dazzling 2.40 ERA reflects.

From the Diamondbacks' perspective, Trevor Cahill hasn't been a slouch himself. Cahill hasn't pitched nearly as well as Parker but in his last outing, he pitched a complete game 6 hitter against another ineffective offense in the San Diego Padres

If we were drawing a side by side comparison with teams and checkmarks, Oakland would get the check with pitching but Arizona would get the checkmark with offense. It's a matter of which one wins out and will Trevor Cahill produce solid back to back performances as his opponent has done throughout the first two months of the season?

Yesterday both teams scored a combined 17 runs and 31 hits while the Diamondbacks outhomered the Athletics 3 to 1. That's not likely to continue, especially against a pitcher like Jarrod Parker.

Dinkers and Dunkers

Yesterday, the day belonged to Ryan Roberts, but the Diamondbacks will need to show the ability to get on base with such a tough pitcher like Jarrod Parker and leadoff hitter Willie Bloomquist has been as consistent as they come as of late.

In his last 6 games, Bloomquist is 12 for 27 and he's hit at least 2 hits in 5 out of those 6 games. He offers nothing in the power department but as a leadoff hitter, Bloomquist has certainly done his job in setting the tone for the offense. Tonight will be a real test.

Jason Kubel

The Diamondbacks aren't considered a very powerful club, therefore at 6 HR and 32 RBI, outfielder Jason Kubel is considered to be one of the main sources of power. Last night, Kubel did display his power as he was able to have a 1 home run and 3 runs batted in game. Kubel is on a bit of a tear as he's homered in his last two games while hitting 5 for 10. Jason Kubel's bat is crucial in this game. Could he possibly make it 3 consecutive games with a homer?

Closed

Instead of having a pitcher warming up as the closer in the Athletic bullpen, there should be a sign that says "closed for business" because they possess one of the worst closers in the majors in Brian Fuentes. Fuentes gave up another one as he allowed the game winning home run in last night's ball game. I personally don't understand how this pitcher stays in the major leagues. When he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels, he was a disaster and he's stayed consistent in his inability to come through during the big moments.

On the season, Fuentes is 2-2 with a 5.24 ERA and 3 blown saves. If you go through my past articles, you'll see how many times that I mentioned this player failing and the beat goes on.

This is a major problem for Oakland and a contributing reason why they're in last place in the division. They should've won yesterday and an above average team need's a good closer.

Reddick's backup

There's been no question that Josh Reddick has been the star of the Oakland Athletics. I've mentioned this before and yesterday Reddick came through with another 3 for 5 performance with 2 runs scored and 1 run batted in.

Reddick got some help yesterday from left fielder Seth Smith and 3rd baseman and former Detroit Tiger Brandon Inge. Smith was the player that supplied the power yesterday but Inge is the player that can provide the most power. He won't hit for average but the A's need Brandon Inge to play up to his capabilities. He's only hitting .214 on the season but Inge had a big Friday, going 3 for 4.

Expect Inge to start playing better as the season goes on and a good outing against Cahill would be a major positive for Oakland. Inge is a lifetime 2 for 6 off of Cahill while Seth Smith is a career 1 for 3 against Cahill with that sole hit being a home run.

Oakland has a legitimate chance to come in here as the dog and pick up the "W".

Major interest

I have major interest in this matchup as I think that Jarrod Parker is on fire and will get the job done and this game should be low scoring as both of these pitchers have been able to hold opposing offenses in check. The Texas Rangers aren't hitting in this game and 9 is a high total.

Saturday night MLB picks

Oakland +134 and under 9: Expect Jarrod Parker and the A's to aide me in continuing my winning ways when picking the dogs.