Over the past four years, the Athletics have hit better in the second half of the season than the first half. The team’s second half.339 OBP and .408 SLG are generously higher than their first half counterparts. Jack Cust has been an integral part, posting an .871 second half OPS compared to an .821 first half OPS since 2006. For more insights, please visit http://bloombergsports.mlblogs.com.

The Athletics look to spark another 5 game winning streak Wednesday afternoon against Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buccholz. Expect DH Jack Cust to do some of the heavy lifting.  Besides recently smashing 3 homeruns in 4 games, he has handled right-handed pitchers for an .878 OPS since 2006. For more insights, please visit http://bloombergsports.mlblogs.com