This is an 8* ASSASSIN on the Oakland Athletics.

The visitors hand the ball to Ian Kennedy (3-5, 5.84 ERA) who gave up one run off four hits over seven innings to the Dodgers on Saturday, settling for a no-decision. Kennedy has looked decent at times this year, but for the most part it's been a struggle and a date on the road is not what the doctor ordered for the Friars pitcher to get untracked as he's a poor 1-2 with a 4.37 ERA away from friendly confines this season (just 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA in all "day" games). The home side counters with Kendall Graveman (3-3, 4.22 ERA) who took a tough luck loss vs. the Angels on Saturday, giving up one run on eight hits while striking out seven and walking none. Note that it was Graveman's third straight quality start, as he has given up just four earned runs over 21 innings during that stretch. Recent performance always plays a part in my MLB handicapping process, Graveman has certainly turned the corner and I think that is going to translate into a victory at home this afternoon, lay the price with confidence on the ATHLETICS.

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