The Athletics face the Orioles in Baltimore after a strong win against the Phillies. Left-hander Jacob Lopez, struggling this season, will pitch for the A's as they aim to maintain their lead in the AL West.
Key points
Athletics won against the Phillies with strong offensive performance
Jacob Lopez struggles as starting pitcher for the Athletics
Orioles feature a talented offense with key players
Both starting pitchers have had poor seasons so far
AthleticsOriolesPhilliesCleveland Guardians
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on May 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on May 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, the Athletics put together one of their most impressive performances of the season to salvage the final game of the team’s three-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies. The A’s hit four two-run home runs, providing more than enough run support for starting pitcher J.T. Ginn, who allowed just one run on four hits over eight innings— the longest outing by an A’s starter this season.
Now, the first-place Athletics are in Baltimore to begin a three-game weekend series against the Orioles tonight. Having lost their previous two series, these next few games are a prime opportunity for the A’s to snap this series-losing streak and maintain their lead atop the American League West. However, the Orioles will be a tough opponent, as they feature a talented offense led by standouts Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and marque offseason acquisition . After winning two of three at the , the Orioles seek to continue their winning ways against the A’s.
Left-hander Jacob Lopez will take the mound tonight for the visitors. The 28-year-old has been the weakest link in the A’s five-man rotation this season. Lopez enters his seventh start with a 2-2 record, 6.60 ERA, a 1.90 WHIP and a horrific 23-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He did not fare well in his last start against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing six runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings.
The team briefly moved him to the bullpen earlier this season, skipping one start before quickly moving him back into the rotation. If Lopez has another bad outing tonight, that could be the last start he gets for a while. The A’s may move him back to the bullpen or demote him to Triple-A to fix his command issues. In response, the team could call up another pitcher and give him the chance to start a few games.
Here’s the A’s lineup tonight:
The A’s are going with the same starting lineup for the second-straight day. It seems like this has become manager Mark Kotsay’s preferred lineup against opposing right-handed pitchers. is starting at third base once again. He has more than earned everyday playing time, contributing consistently at the plate and seamlessly adapting to center field and now third base — two positions he had not played at the Major League level before this season.
will make his eighth start of the season for the Baltimore Orioles. The 29-year-old is off to a poor start this year, carrying a 1-4 record, 5.03 ERA and 1.82 WHIP into tonight’s outing. Like Lopez, Bradish struggled in his last start, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks in four innings. In the wake of scoring 12 runs last night, the A’s offense is primed to generate more runs against the Orioles’ talented but vulnerable starter.
And the Baltimore lineup for the series-opener:
Beyond Henderson and Alonso, the Orioles boast several power threats throughout their lineup. As a result, Lopez will have to be careful against a group capable of launching balls onto Eutaw Street.
Given that both starting pitchers have struggled through the season’s first month, tonight’s matchup could be a high-scoring affair. As such, the A’s offense needs to get to Bradish early to force the Orioles to turn to their bullpen sooner than they would like.
A Friday night win would be a great start to Mother’s Day weekend. Let’s go A’s!
**Follow the Game:**
**Watch:**Athletics – NBCSCA
**Listen:**Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast
Q&A
What is Jacob Lopez's performance record this season?
Jacob Lopez has a 2-2 record with a 6.60 ERA and a 1.90 WHIP this season.
Who are the key players in the Orioles lineup against the Athletics?
Key players for the Orioles include Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Pete Alonso.
How did the Athletics perform in their last game against the Phillies?
The Athletics hit four two-run home runs and won the final game of their series against the Phillies.
What are the stakes for the Athletics in the series against the Orioles?
The Athletics aim to snap a series-losing streak and maintain their lead in the American League West.
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