Game Context
Baltimore took Friday’s opener 3–2 behind back-to-back homers from Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle. Both teams are outside the playoff picture but looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Starting Pitcher | 2025 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Jack Perkins (RHP) | 0–2, 3.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 23 K |
| Orioles | Brandon Young (RHP) | 0–5, 5.88 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 38 K |
Perkins has shown flashes of promise despite limited run support, while Young is still searching for his first win in a season marked by inconsistency.
Key Players to Watch
Athletics
- Brent Rooker: Team leader with 23 HR, .492 SLG — consistent power threat.
- Shea Langeliers: Batting .381 over his last 10 games with 5 HR and 7 RBI.
- Tyler Soderstrom: 21 HR on the season, emerging as a middle-of-the-order force.
Baltimore Orioles
- Gunnar Henderson: .284 AVG, 25 doubles, 13 HR — versatile offensive weapon.
- Tyler O’Neill: 5 HR in last 10 games, though currently day-to-day with a wrist injury.
- Ryan Mountcastle: Returned from IL with a HR in his first game back.
Team Trends & Stats
| Category | Athletics | Orioles |
|---|---|---|
| Last 10 Games | 5–5 (.291 BA, 3.27 ERA) | 5–5 (.234 BA, 4.40 ERA) |
| Road/Home Record | 28–33 (Away) | 28–27 (Home) |
| Record When More Hits | 46–12 | 35–11 |
| Season Series | Tied 2–2 | Tied 2–2 |
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with extensive injuries:
- Orioles: Tyler O’Neill (wrist), Jorge Mateo (elbow), Gary Sánchez (knee), Grayson Rodriguez (elbow), among others.
- Athletics: Max Muncy (hand), Jacob Wilson (forearm), Luis Medina (elbow), and several pitchers on the 60-day IL
Weather Outlook
Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 86°F and light southwest winds — ideal conditions for hitters.
Final Take
With both teams evenly matched and the series knotted, tonight’s game could hinge on bullpen execution and timely hitting. The Athletics have the hotter bats, but the Orioles’ home-field edge and recent clutch performances make this a toss-up. Expect fireworks early and a tight finish.
Game Odds
Athletics 9.5
Baltimore Orioles – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 8, 2025
