May 9, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) throws to first base during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Baltimore Orioles vs Athletics Prediction 8/28/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Baltimore Orioles Oakland Athletics
Team Records 65-69 42-57
Where Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, California
When Friday, August 28, 2026
Time 09:40 PM EDT
TV MLB.TV

The Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics will meet on Thursday night in the opening game of a three‑game American League series at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California.

Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview

The Baltimore Orioles enter Thursday’s contest with a 65–69 overall record (4th in the American League East) and a 31–35 mark on the road. The Orioles offense has been competitive this season. Baltimore has compiled 609 runs scored (11th in MLB), 198 doubles, a .237 team batting average and 164 home runs which ranks ninth in Major League Baseball.

The Orioles arrive at today’s game in above average form. Baltimore has won four of the team’s last six games played this season, including a dominant 13–1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week.

The Baltimore Orioles will turn to right hander Brandon Young in this game. In 22 starts made in 2026, Young has compiled a 9–3 win‑loss record, a 3.50 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 123.1 innings pitched. Young arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or less in two of his last three starts made this season.

The Orioles lineup features Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson. Pete Alonso has amassed 32 home runs (8th in MLB), 85 RBIs (6th in MLB) and an .860 OPS. Gunnar Henderson has tallied 20 home runs, 52 RBIs, 24 doubles, 55 walks and a .698 OPS.                                    

Athletics Betting Preview

The Athletics enter Thursday night’s matchup with a 53–81 overall record (4th in the American League West) and a 25–41 mark at home. The Athletics have played above average baseball recently, winning four of the team’s last five games, including a 7–6 victory over the Houston Astros last week.

The Athletics will start left hander Jacob Lopez in this evening’s game. In 18 starts made this season, Lopez has compiled a 5–4 win‑loss record, a 4.98 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched. Lopez performed at a high level in his most recent outing, allowing one earned run, while scattering three hits and one walk in the Athletics 4-3 win over the Houston Astros six days ago.

Shifting our attention to the team’s offense, the Athletics lineup features talented second baseman Jeff McNeil. McNeil has compiled a .265 batting average, 6 home runs, 18 doubles, 25 walks, 46 RBIs and a .677 OPS.   
  

Why the Baltimore Orioles will win.

• Offensive firepower. The Baltimore Orioles have amassed 164 home runs which ranks ninth in Major League Baseball.

• Starting pitching. In 22 starts made in 2026, Brandon Young has compiled a 9–3 win‑loss record, a 3.50 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 123.1 innings pitched

• Current form. The Baltimore Orioles have won four of the team’s last five games.   

Why the Athletics will win.

• Home field edge. The Athletics have played subpar baseball (25–41) at Sutter Health Park this season. The Athletics will look to improve on the team’s below average performance at home this season.   

• Current form. The Athletics have won four of their last five games.

• Starting pitching. In 18 starts made this season, Jacob Lopez has compiled a 5–4 win‑loss record, a 4.98 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched.   

Baltimore Orioles vs. Athletics Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Baltimore Orioles. Why? The Athletics have played abysmal baseball at home, compiling a 25-41 win-loss record at Sutter Health Park. The Orioles arrive at this contest in good overall form, winning four of the team’s last five games. Quite frankly, the Orioles are the better baseball team at this point of the 2026 regular season. With that said, I am backing the Baltimore Orioles on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Baltimore Orioles ML

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