Can win the series!
The A’s dropped the middle game of the series against the Orioles last night but they still have a chance at a series win if they can take the victory today in the series and home stand finale. Every win is huge at this point for both these teams as they try to claw their way back from last place in their divisions.
For the home team the Athletics will go with a rookie starter in Jacob Lopez. Things haven’t been smooth for him in his first season with the team, and he’s coming off a pair of dreadful starts. The team doesn’t have many other options though so we’ll just have to hope Lopez brings his A-game.
The A’s starting lineup for Sunday’s finale:
Series Finale pic.twitter.com/t6FKnPkZby
— Athletics (@Athletics) June 8, 2025
Designated hitter Brent Rooker will be batting third on the day of his bobblehead giveaway and he’ll hope to continue the firework show from last night into today’s contest. Jhonny Pereda draws the start behind the plate today after Willie MacIver started both of the previous two games. Rookies Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke are back in there after a night off yesterday, back at third base and center field, respectively. Same for Luis Urias, who got a breather last night but will return to the lineup at his regular position of second base. Seth Brown moves over to left field while JJ Bleday will take a seat back on the bench.
The lineup will be given a tough task as Baltimore will trot out right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano for what will be their first look at the Japanese import. The 35-year-old has been a lifesaver for the Orioles as he’s sporting a team-leading 3.04 ERA that ranks 13th in the American League. Since none of the A’s hitters have seen Sugano and his repertoire in person the advantage goes to the pitcher but anything can happen. The offense needs to take advantage when they get scoring opportunities today or they’ll have a hard time winning this game and the series.
Baltimore’s starting lineup this afternoon looks like this:
Rubber match to end the roadtrip. pic.twitter.com/6FyagO0vqH
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 8, 2025
No Ryan O’Hearn in the lineup for the Orioles today. He’s been far and away their best hitter and his absence should be a big benefit for Lopez and the rest of the pitchers.
Let’s get this win and get out of town on a high note. Let’s go A’s!