Orioles vs Athletics predictions
When it comes to the Baltimore Orioles, a few guys jump out as potential difference-makers in this opening matchup against the Athletics. Adley Rutschman is always someone to keep on your radar, and I can see him making solid contact all night, possibly grabbing a couple of hits and driving in a run. Gunnar Henderson has been showing flashes of power and with his speed, he might add an extra-base hit, maybe even swipe a base if the situation plays out. Ryan O’Hearn, who’s quietly putting up a strong average, looks poised for another multi-hit game, and don’t sleep on his ability to come through in clutch moments. Plus, with Dean Kremer on the mound, there’s a solid chance he’ll grind out five strong innings, collecting a handful of strikeouts and giving the O’s a good shot to keep things close.
Now, over on the Athletics’ side, Jacob Wilson has been absolutely raking lately. With how well he’s seeing the ball, it wouldn’t shock me if he racks up a couple of hits and gets on base several times. Tyler Soderstrom, already leading the team in homers, has the kind of pop that could change the tone of the game with one big swing; look for him to threaten the seats at least once. JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker also have the bats to make noise, especially with Rooker’s knack for driving in runs in the middle of the lineup. On the hill, JP Sears is slated to get the start and while he’s got his work cut out for him, I could see him tossing five or six innings and keeping the O’s hitters guessing with his mix of pitches.
Picking a winner here honestly feels like a true toss-up, but with the way the Athletics have been swinging the bats lately — leading Baltimore by a fairly hefty margin in key offensive categories — and considering their momentum at home, my lean is toward the Athletics edging out the Orioles in game one. The O’s certainly have firepower and arms to make it interesting, but the Athletics’ knack for timely extra-base hits and some reliable production in the heart of their lineup might just be the difference when the dust settles at Sutter Health Park. What do you think — are you backing the hot bats of the A’s, or do you see the Orioles getting the jump in this series opener?
