Detroit at Oakland

Both of the underdogs won their ALDS series to result in this unlikely matchup. Detroit had 119 losses just three years ago but won 95 games to get into the playoffs. They disposed of the heavily favored Yankees in just four games. Oakland won 93 in the regular season and I like them in this game for one reason: Barry Zito. He was able to outduel Johan Santana in the Minnesota series and that says a lot. Santana never loses at home but Zito beat him. He's got a 2.68 lifetime ERA vs. Detroit and now has a 4-2 record with a 2.43 ERA in the postseason. Nate Robertson is very average by comparison. Robertson is under .500 for the year and has gotten shelled of late giving up 7 earned runs in just 5.7 innings vs. the Yankees and 15 earned runs in just 16.3 innings overall in his last three starts. He's 4-12 this season at -125 to +125. The Athletics are 24-12 this season vs. teams at 54% straight up or better. Like Zito here, especially given the fact that Detroit struggles offensively vs. lefties.