MLB Predictions: Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

The Boston Red Sox (34-38) and Oakland Athletics (44-28) will meet up in an American League matchup Thursday night at the O.co Coliseum, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET

Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz lands in a bad spot Thursday night

Boston has won three games in a row despite scoring just five runs over that span, while the UNDER has cashed in its last five contests. The Red Sox are 11-15 in one-run affairs this season, as they’ve played five straight in that situation. Designated hitter David Ortiz has been a non-factor for most of the 2014 campaign—hitting just .174 with five home runs during a 33-game stretch. Boston is 0-5 as road underdogs of +125 to +150 this season.

Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (1-4, 4.53 ERA) has watched the club drop his last three efforts, but he didn’t receive a decision in a 3-2 setback at home to the Cleveland Indians last time out—surrendering a single run and seven hits over six frames. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six road appearances, with opposing hitters batting .283 against him. Peavy is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts versus the Athletics over the course of his career.

Oakland has won four of its last five games, including a 4-2 victory over the Texas Rangers as -176 home favorites Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total for the first time in four affairs. Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is starting to turn things around at the plate, as he’s gone 5 for 15 in his last four games since suffering through a hitless stretch of 29 at-bats. Oakland is 17-9 versus teams with a losing record, with the OVER going 13-11-2 in that situation.

Athletics starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (8-2, 2.05 ERA) has a personal three-game win streak, which includes a 5-1 home victory over the New York Yankees last time out—giving up one run (zero earned) and three hits over six frames. The left-hander is a dominating 4-1 with a 1.45 ERA in six home appearances, with opposing hitters batting .195 against him. Kazmir has limited Ortiz to a .182 average when facing him over the course of his career.