The Baltimore Orioles, holding a 65-69 record, will travel to Sutter Health Park to take on the Athletics, who currently stand at 53-81. Both teams are ranked fourth in their respective divisions, with the Orioles in the AL East and the Athletics in the AL West. The game is set for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:40 PM, airing on NSPCA.
In their recent outings, the Orioles have shown a mixed performance with a 4-6 record over their last ten games and a current losing streak of one. The team's recent loss came against the St. Louis Cardinals, where Trevor Rogers allowed six earned runs over five innings. Craig Albernaz, the Orioles' manager, will be looking to steer his team back to winning ways as they face the Athletics.
Meanwhile, the Athletics have found some recent success, winning their last two games and matching the Orioles' recent 4-6 performance in their last ten games. Under the management of Mark Kotsay, the Athletics recently secured victories over the Minnesota Twins, displaying solid hitting and pitching. With a mild weather forecast of overcast clouds and calm wind, the conditions are set for an engaging game under the night sky in West Sacramento.
Athletics vs Orioles At a Glance
- Venue: Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA.
- Weather Forecast: Overcast Clouds with calm wind crosswind.
- Game Time: Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:40 PM.
- TV Channel: NSPCA.
- Orioles Current Streak: Lost 1 game.
- Athletics Current Streak: Won 2 games.
The Athletics Prepare to Tackle the Orioles: A Preview of the Away Team
Orioles Hitting Overview
The Baltimore Orioles enter the game with a solid batting lineup. Their team batting average of .245 ranks them 9th in the league, indicating consistency at the plate.
With an on-base percentage of .319, also ranked 9th, the Orioles demonstrate their ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. Their slugging percentage of .402 and 158 home runs rank 12th in the league, showcasing their potential for power hits.
Key Offensive Players
The Orioles' lineup features a mix of consistent hitters and power sluggers. Their ability to hit doubles, with 210 this season, ranks them 13th, adding to their offensive depth.
Their walk tally of 442, ranked 16th, suggests patience at the plate. However, their stolen base total of 69 ranks 21st, indicating a lower emphasis on base-stealing strategy.
Pitching Insights
The Orioles' pitching staff holds an ERA of 5.48, placing them 28th in the league. This suggests challenges in maintaining low opponent scoring.
With a batting average against of .270, ranked 19th, the Orioles' pitchers will need to focus on reducing hits allowed. The team has given up 204 home runs, ranking 26th, which could be a critical factor in their defensive strategy.
Orioles Pitching Key Figures
Brandon Young is expected to start, carrying a 9-3 record with a 3.50 ERA. His WHIP of 1.36 and 99 strikeouts reflect his effectiveness on the mound.
The Orioles will be counting on Young to set the tone early and provide a strong outing against the Athletics' lineup.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5 Games: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10 Games: 4-6 (40.0%)
- Runline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Runline Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Runline Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
The Baltimore Orioles: Navigating the Road Against the Athletics
Team Hitting Analysis
The Orioles are holding a .237 batting average for the 2026 season, placing them in the middle of the pack at 16th overall. However, their on-base percentage of .318 ranks them 10th, showing their ability to get runners on base. They’ve managed to hit 164 home runs, which is 9th in the league, demonstrating significant power potential.
Despite their power, the Orioles are struggling with strikeouts, accumulating 1233, ranking 26th in the league. Their 69 stolen bases place them 21st, indicating a lower emphasis on speed and baserunning. They have drawn 499 walks, ranking 3rd, which reflects their patience at the plate.
Pitching Performance
The Orioles' pitching staff has recorded a 4.22 ERA, ranking 19th, indicating room for improvement. Their batting average against sits at .253, positioning them 16th in the league. They’ve given up 143 home runs, which ties them at 9th in the league.
On the brighter side, Baltimore has 52 quality starts, ranking 6th, which shows that their starters can often deliver strong outings. However, with 18 blown saves, ranking 7th, their bullpen needs to tighten up in closing games. They have managed to record 1068 strikeouts, placing them at 22nd.
Top Performers to Watch
Pete Alonso is a key offensive player for the Orioles, batting .274 with 32 home runs and 91 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs makes him a constant threat in the lineup. Gunnar Henderson, while struggling with a .219 batting average, has contributed with 20 home runs.
Coby Mayo has added 18 home runs, despite a lower batting average of .212. Jackson Holliday, hitting .235, provides depth in the lineup with his ability to get on base. These players will be crucial in the upcoming games as the Orioles look to improve their standings.
Injury Challenges
The Orioles are dealing with several key injuries that could impact their performance. Notably, Tyler O'Neill is out with a shoulder issue, and Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery. Ryan Mountcastle’s foot fracture and Keegan Akin’s elbow surgery add to the list of significant absences.
These injuries may force the team to rely on depth and adapt their strategies. Despite the challenges, the Orioles will look to their healthy roster to step up and fill the gaps left by their injured teammates.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU in Away Games: 31-35 (47.0%)
- Runline as Underdog: 39-32 (54.9%)
- O/U All Games: 68-66 (50.7%)
- O/U in Away Games: 38-28 (57.6%)
Athletics vs Orioles Prediction: Athletics +120
The Athletics have shown resilience in recent games, going 4-1 in their last five and outperforming the Orioles in their head-to-head meetings this season with a 2-1 advantage. With the Athletics playing at home and coming off a two-game winning streak, they have momentum on their side.
Jacob Lopez, the Athletics' starter, might not have the most impressive ERA, but the Orioles' lineup has struggled in recent matchups against him, as seen in their previous encounters this season. The Athletics' ability to edge out wins in close games could be crucial in this matchup.
Brandon Young, starting for the Orioles, boasts a decent 9-3 record but has had issues with inconsistency on the road, which may benefit the Athletics' hitters. The Athletics have a better track record at Sutter Health Park, making the underdog pick more appealing.
Considering the Athletics' recent form, home advantage, and past performances against the Orioles, they present a valuable moneyline opportunity at +120. I predict the Athletics will take this game with a narrow victory.
- Athletics vs Orioles Prediction: Athletics +120
- Athletics vs Orioles Score: Athletics 4 - Orioles 3
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