The Orioles are back at Camden Yards, ready to take on the Athletics following a series victory in Miami. Both teams are hoping to make a statement in this matchup.
Teams’ Recent Performances
In 2025, the Orioles and the Athletics were closely matched, separated by a single game in the standings (75 and 76 wins respectively). Both teams had promising young players, Gunnar Henderson for the O’s and Nick Kurtz for the A’s. Inconsistent pitching plagued both teams, with Baltimore posting a 4.60 ERA (26th in the league) and the Athletics a 4.70 ERA (27th).
Ahead of this series, most would have predicted the Orioles to be in first place, given their offseason moves. However, Baltimore currently sits third in the AL East with a 17-21 record. The Athletics, with a 19-18 record, are leading the AL West by a game and a half over the Mariners.
Neither team has been playing their best baseball recently. The Orioles have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games, while the A’s are 5-5. Baltimore is coming off a painful walk-off loss to the Marlins in Miami. The A’s are arriving in Baltimore on a high after dismantling the Phillies 12-1 in their series finale on Thursday.
By the Numbers
Despite having a winning record, the Athletics are seen as a similar team to the O’s. Before Thursday’s games, the Athletics’ offense was ranked 17th (4.25 runs/game) and their pitching staff 24th (4.67 ERA). The Orioles have been better offensively (11th with 4.62 runs/game) but have struggled more with pitching (29th with a 4.88 team ERA).
Both the A’s and O’s have exceeded their expected win-loss records by one game. Both teams have something to prove in Baltimore. The Orioles are aiming to prove they can defeat strong teams and solidify their chances of making the playoffs. The Athletics are looking to show their strong start isn’t just luck and that they can maintain their position in the AL West.
Key Players to Watch
The Orioles lost their season series against the A’s last year, with the Athletics winning both series, 4 games to 2. To avoid a repeat in 2026, Baltimore needs to contain A’s catcher Shea Langeliers. Langeliers has been an offensive leader for the Athletics, with a .336/.390/.627 slash line, 45 hits, 10 home runs and 24 runs scored. Langeliers’ career record against the O’s is a .197 average and .672 OPS, but he has hit five home runs in 16 games against Baltimore.
The Athletics will need to find a way to slow down Oriole sluggers Samuel Basallo and Pete Alonso. Since the start of the Yankees series, Basallo and Alonso have combined for 17-for-49 (.347) with three homers, six doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs.
Pitching Matchup
The probable pitchers for the series opener are RHP Kyle Bradish (1-4, 5.03 ERA, 35 K) and LHP Jacob Lopez (2-2, 6.60 ERA, 23 K).
Bradish has been the Orioles’ most disappointing starter this season, with only one quality start in his first seven outings.
Both teams come into Baltimore with something to prove.