MLB Game Preview: Atlanta Braves (39-51) vs. Athletics (38-55)

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Venue: Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
First Pitch: 10:05 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN, NBCS-CA, Bally Sports South

Team Overview & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 5 Games	Road/Home Split
Atlanta Braves	39–51	L-L-L-L-W	15–29 (Road)
Oakland Athletics	38–55	W-W-L-W-W	17–29 (Home)

• Braves have lost 10 of their last 12 games, including a 10–1 blowout in Game 1 of this series.
• Athletics are surging with five homers in Monday’s win and have outscored Atlanta 14–2 over the last two games.

Pitching Matchup

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	WHIP	Notes
Bryce Elder	Braves	2–6	5.92	1.52	Allowed 4 ER in 5 IP vs. Angels last start
Mitch Spence	Athletics	2–4	4.06	1.31	Gave up 3 HR in last outing vs. Rays

Both starters are looking to rebound after shaky performances. Elder has struggled all season, while Spence has shown flashes of reliability.

Key Players to Watch

Atlanta Braves

• Matt Olson: 17 HR, 58 RBI; leads team in both categories
• Austin Riley: .273 AVG, 13 HR; consistent middle-order bat
• Marcell Ozuna: 11 HR, 62 BB; power threat with plate discipline

Athletics

• Brent Rooker: 19 HR, 50 RBI; top 25 in MLB homers
• Lawrence Butler: 11 HR, 24 doubles; hit inside-the-park HR Monday
• Max Muncy: 3 HR in last 10 games; adds depth to lineup

Statistical Comparison

Category	Braves	Athletics
Team ERA	3.85	5.28
Batting Average	.242	.249
Home Runs	93	136 allowed (most in MLB)
Bullpen ERA	3.02 (last 2 weeks)	4.26 (last 2 weeks)
Run Differential	-26 (last 10)	+8 (last 10)

Atlanta’s pitching has been hit hard lately, while Oakland’s offense is heating up at home.

The Braves are reeling and Elder’s recent form doesn’t inspire confidence. Oakland’s bats—led by Rooker, Butler, and Muncy—have punished Atlanta’s pitching and could do so again. Spence isn’t dominant, but he’s capable of keeping the game close.