T.M. Selection: Oakland Athletics.

I like the Oakland Athletics to beat the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The A's have now lost 3 games straight and they desperately need a win here as they find themselves 3.5 games out of a wildcard spot. Sean Manaea (9-9, 3.79 ERA) is starting for them and he has been solid lately. He has not allowed more than 2 runs in his last 2 starts and was awarded with a win in his last time out. The Royals have lost just 1 game in their last 5 but I think it's time for the spoiling to stop here. They are way out of playoff contention and will have Mike Minor (8-12, 5.05 ERA) starting in this game. He has not allowed more than 2 runs in his last 2 starts but he allowed 3+ in each of his 5 straight starts before that and that has been a common theme for him all year. The Royals have actually lost the last 7 straight games that Minor has pitched in. This is a must win for the A's as they cannot afford to fall any further behind in this wildcard race. I like them to win this game and defeat the Royals on Wednesday.

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Athletics.