Can the A’s keep win streak alive against the Orioles?
What: MLB Regular Season Game
When: Friday, July 5
Who: Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland Athletics
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where: Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, CA)
The Baltimore Orioles (55-32) will play at Oakland Coliseum on Saturday. They will try to defeat the streaking Oakland Athletics (33-56).
Baltimore Orioles
Albert Suárez and the Baltimore Orioles are set to continue their impressive run as they face Hogan Harris and the struggling Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
The Orioles, who hold the best record in the American League, enter this road matchup with significant momentum.
Suárez has been a standout for Baltimore this season, boasting a stellar 2.43 ERA over 59 1/3 innings.
His recent performance against the formidable Texas Rangers, where he outdueled Max Scherzer with six scoreless innings, highlights his ability to compete at the highest level.
Suárez’s efficiency and command were on full display as he retired 18 of the 21 batters he faced, including 11 of the final 12.
The Orioles’ offense, leading the league with 5.2 runs per game, poses a formidable challenge for the Athletics’ pitching staff.
Baltimore’s lineup consistently demonstrates its ability to produce runs, making them a threat in any ballpark.
Conversely, the Athletics have struggled this season, languishing at the bottom of the AL West.
While showing potential, Hogan Harris has yet to establish himself as a dominant force in Oakland’s rotation. The left-hander faces a tough test against Baltimore’s potent offense.
Baltimore’s pitching staff has been equally impressive, boasting the second-best ERA in baseball at 3.37.
This combination of strong pitching and explosive offense has made the Orioles a formidable team throughout the season.
Given Suárez’s recent form, the Orioles’ offensive firepower, and their overall team performance, Baltimore is well-positioned to secure a victory on the road.
While baseball can be unpredictable, the stark team performance and momentum contrast heavily favor the Orioles in this matchup.
Oakland Athletics
While the Baltimore Orioles have been dominating the American League this season, Friday night’s matchup against the Oakland Athletics could turn into a surprising upset.
Hogan Harris and the A’s have the potential to secure a home victory against Albert Suárez and the Orioles.
Despite Oakland’s struggles, Harris has shown promise in his recent outings. The left-hander boasts a respectable 3.18 ERA, which is impressive considering the Athletics’ performance this season.
Over his last six starts, Harris has maintained a solid 2.90 ERA, demonstrating his ability to keep opposing offenses in check.
The home-field advantage at Oakland Coliseum is not to be underestimated. The A’s, despite their struggles, often perform better in front of their home crowd.
The unique dimensions and atmosphere of the Coliseum, which can be challenging for visiting teams, even those as strong as the Orioles, add an element of intrigue to the game.
Albert Suárez, despite his recent success, may be due for regression.
His last start against Texas was his first time pitching six or more innings in a game since July 3, 2016.
This extended outing could lead to fatigue or a dip in performance in his subsequent start.
Additionally, the Orioles may face challenges adjusting to the West Coast time difference, which could affect their typically potent offense.
Combined with Harris’s recent form, this factor could allow the Athletics to keep the game close and potentially steal a win.
While the odds heavily favor Baltimore, baseball is a game of surprises.
If Harris can continue his recent string of solid performances and the A’s offense can capitalize on key opportunities, the stage is set for an exhilarating game.
Oakland might just pull off an unexpected victory against the AL’s top team.
Orioles-Athletics Best Bet
The Baltimore Orioles aim to maintain their impressive first-half performance as they approach the All-Star Break, facing the struggling Oakland Athletics.
Albert Suárez has been exceptional this season and is expected to continue his dominance against the Athletics’ weak lineup.