This is it—Sunday night, a massive rivalry game at Angel Stadium between the Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners. With the series tied 2-2, the Angels are poised to complete a sweep after back-to-back wins. The Mariners, struggling through a five-game losing streak, can’t afford another slip-up. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Wednesday night baseball game between the Angels and the Athletics.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Angels vs. Athletics prediction, preview
The Angels’ offense is an enigma—third in the league in home runs (93) but struggling with consistency. Despite ranking 27th in batting average (.225) and 29th in OBP (.287), they still possess power. This power is critical in a matchup against lefty JP Sears. The left-hander has allowed a hefty 2.00 HR/9 and a 42.6% flyball rate, numbers that suggest a likely uptick in home runs against this slugging Angels lineup. Taylor Ward, leading the Angels with 18 home runs and 45 RBIs, is poised to take advantage of Sears’ 1.98 HR/9, which ranks poorly among starters.
Defensively, the Angels’ pitching staff has been porous, holding a 4.88 team ERA (25th in MLB), with an alarming 1.52 WHIP. Yet, Hendricks, despite his 5.40 ERA, is due for positive regression. His 86.8 mph average exit velocity (90th percentile) and a solid 36.6% hard-hit rate (75th percentile) suggest his approach should neutralize the Athletics’ bats—especially against a team that ranks 30th in ERA (5.62). Hendricks’ 4.19 xERA points to better days ahead, and with the Athletics’ bullpen consistently ranking among the league’s worst in HR/9 (1.75) and strikeouts (20.8%), the Angels’ lineup should eventually break through.
On the flip side, Sears’ struggles against right-handed batters highlight why this is an uphill battle. His 49.5% flyball rate, combined with a .357 wOBA and .574 slugging percentage allowed to righties, sets up a perfect storm for hitters like Jo Adell and Nolan Schanuel, both of whom are performing well in recent games. The Athletics will have to weather a storm as they face one of the league’s most power-laden lineups, while their offense continues to churn out numbers, ranking 8th in OPS (.740). Brent Rooker and Jacob Wilson are both critical to their offense’s success, as Rooker’s 13 home runs and Wilson’s scorching .366 batting average could keep them in this game, but their pitching will be a major liability.
Statistically, Sears has had a rough time when facing the Angels, with an 0-2 record and a 9.72 ERA in two career starts against them. When pitching on the road, his 5.21 ERA doesn’t inspire confidence. Hendricks’ issues with consistency may limit his effectiveness, but he has had success at home with a 4.25 ERA across five starts.
Athletics vs. Angels pick, best bet
As for betting trends, the Angels have won seven of their last ten games against the Athletics and have dominated the season series so far (5-0). The Athletics, on the other hand, have dropped 26 of their last 32 games, reflecting their continued struggles. Their bullpen’s 5.58 ERA over the last 30 days, paired with an inability to get outs consistently, bodes poorly for their chances.
With both offenses facing susceptible pitching and neither bullpen standing tall, expect a high-scoring affair. The over is the best play in this matchup, as the game’s tempo is primed to explode given the flaws on both sides. Give me all the runs.
Best bet: Angels vs. Athletics o9.5 total runs (-110)
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