Both of Wednesday’s starters have been a surprise this year; Blackburn a pleasant one, coming out of nowhere to pitch very well, and Ray, who has been a shadow of himself when compared to 2021. Blackburn was one of the most effective pitchers in April, but has slipped slightly in May. Opposing hitters are batting 50 points higher this month than last, and he has given up more than half of his runs in the first two innings. Ray(4.77 ERA) has not been consistent or dominant this season, and has given up 15 ER and 4 HR in 4 starts. His ERA has been ugly between the 3rd and 5^th innings.

The A’s are one of the poorer hitting teams, but have been better lately, especially vs left handed pitching. The Mariners are top ten in OPS in recent games. I suspect Blackburn, with a career 4.84 ER avg. has started to come back to earth, and Ray’s troubles have now been consistent and ongoing. Neither pitcher is at their most effective early. The early total is low at 3 ½. Take the A’s and Mariners to go OVER in the first five innings.