Pick details
| MATCHUP | Oakland Athletics | Cincinnati Reds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 42-57 | 54-58 |
| Spread | +1.5 -171 | -1.5 141 |
| Moneyline | +118 | -142 |
| Total | Over 10 (-102) | Under 10 (-118) |
| Where | Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio | |
| When | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:40 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
Athletics Betting Preview
The Athletics enter Wednesday’s contest with a 45–68 overall record (4th in the American League West) and a 24–32 mark on the road. The Athletics offense has been competitive to this point in the season. Through 113 games played in 2026, Oakland has compiled 491 runs scored (19th in MLB), 175 doubles, 134 home runs and a .245 team batting average which ranks a rather pedestrian 15th in Major League Baseball.The Athletics arrive at tomorrow night’s game in below average form. The Athletics have lost seven consecutive games, including an embarrassing 11–0 shutout loss to the Detroit Tigers two days ago.
The Athletics will turn to left hander Jacob Lopez in this game. In 14 starts made this season, Lopez has compiled a 5–4 win‑loss record, a 5.79 ERA, a 1.67 WHIP and 61 strikeouts, while allowing 75 hits and 42 walks in 70 innings pitched. Jacob Lopez arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one or fewer earned runs in three of his last four starts made in 2026. Lopez will look to continue his recent quality pitching performances in tomorrow’s matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.
It should also be mentioned that the Athletics bullpen has been dreadful this season, ranking 30th in bullpen ERA (5.57).
Shifting our focus to the team’s offense, the Athletics lineup features first baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers, Nick Kurtz has amassed a .256 batting average, 21 home runs, 69 RBIs (12th in MLB) and an .879 OPS which ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball. Shea Langeliers has tallied 23 home runs (19th in MLB), 51 RBIs and an .829 OPS.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview
The Cincinnati Reds enter Wednesday night’s matchup with a 54–58 overall record (5th in the National League Central) and a 27–31 mark at home. Cincinnati has played competitive baseball recently, winning four of the team’s last five games, including a thrilling 8–7 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates last week.Cincinnati will start right hander Rhett Lowder in tomorrow’s game. In 16 starts made in 2026, Lowder has compiled a 3–7 record, a 5.42 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP and 70 strikeouts, while allowing 89 hits and 37 walks in 83 innings pitched. Lowder has pitched well recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts made this season.
Why the Athletics will win.
• Starting pitching. In 14 starts made this season, Jacob Lopez has compiled a 5–4 win‑loss record, a 5.79 ERA, a 1.67 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.• Enhanced motivation. The Athletics arrive at this contest on the heels of a seven-game losing streak.
Why the Cincinnati Reds will win.
• Starting pitching. In 16 starts made in 2026, Rhett Lowder has compiled a 3–7 record, a 5.42 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP and 70 strikeouts, while allowing 89 hits and 37 walks in 83 innings pitched.• Offensive production. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart provide a strong core to the Cincinnati Reds lineup.
Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Cincinnati Reds. Why? Cincinnati starting pitcher Rhett Lowder has pitched well recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts made this season. Similarly, Athletics hurler Jacob Lopez arrives at this contest in good form, allowing one or fewer earned runs in three of his last four starts made in 2026. The real difference in this game is the bullpen performance. The Athletics bullpen has been horrendous which is a concern facing a formidable Cincinnati lineup. With that said, I am backing the Cincinnati Reds on the moneyline in this game.Hans Geevers's Pick: Cincinnati Reds ML
