The Baltimore Orioles travel to Sutter Health Park to take on the Athletics on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM ET. Chris Bassitt gets the ball for Baltimore against Oakland's Jeffrey Springs in what shapes up as a pitching-focused afternoon on the West Coast. With the regular season in its final stretch, every game carries real weight in the standings, and the Orioles will need their lineup — topped by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso — to provide run support in a ballpark that's been a road challenge for visiting clubs.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Bassitt vs. Springs

Chris Bassitt draws the start for Baltimore. A seasoned right-hander with proven durability, Bassitt knows this matchup well — he spent time in the American League West earlier in his career and understands what it takes to navigate a lineup on the road. The Orioles need length from him today, keeping the bullpen fresh heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

Jeffrey Springs gets the nod for the Athletics. When healthy, Springs has shown the ability to miss bats with an above-average arsenal, and Baltimore's lineup will need to be disciplined early to get into the Athletics' bullpen. Neither pitcher's current season stats are confirmed here, so how each has been performing most recently will be something to watch as lineups set.

Baltimore Orioles Lineup

• Blaze Alexander, 2B
• Pete Alonso, DH
• Gunnar Henderson, SS
• Coby Mayo, 1B
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B
• Leody Taveras, RF
• Christian Franklin, LF
• Carlos Narváez, C
• Colton Cowser, CF

Athletics Lineup

• Henry Bolte, CF
• Jeff McNeil, DH
• Zack Gelof, 3B
• Lawrence Butler, RF
• Donovan Walton, 2B
• Tommy White, 1B
• Carlos Cortes, LF
• Brian Serven, C
• Alika Williams, SS

Keys to Watch for the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson Sets the Tone

Henderson hitting third in the order is where Baltimore's offense runs. If he's seeing the ball well against Springs, the middle of this Orioles lineup — Alonso and Mayo right around him — becomes a genuine problem for Oakland to manage. Henderson's ability to do damage in any count makes him the engine of this road offense.

Pete Alonso in the Middle of the Order

Alonso slotted at DH and batting second gives Baltimore a powerful presence near the top of the lineup. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs could be critical if the Orioles find themselves in a tight, low-scoring game against Springs.

Bassitt's Command and Pitch Mix

Bassitt's effectiveness typically depends on his ability to locate his sinker and work both sides of the plate. Against an Athletics lineup that features Zack Gelof at third and Lawrence Butler in right — both capable of doing damage — Bassitt will need to be sharp early and mix his pitches deliberately to keep Oakland off-balance.

Colton Cowser Batting Ninth

Cowser dropping to the nine hole puts him in a spot where he can function as a second leadoff man, reaching base and turning the lineup back over to Alexander and Alonso. His on-base ability from the bottom of the order is something to monitor as the game progresses.

Prediction

This figures to be a competitive, low-run afternoon. Both Bassitt and Springs are capable of keeping lineups quiet when they're on, and neither offense has an obvious edge on paper. Baltimore's middle of the order — Alonso, Henderson, and Mayo — gives the Orioles enough power threat to steal a road win. Bassitt goes six innings, the bullpen holds, and the Orioles leave Sacramento with a 4-2 victory. Catch the game on MASN locally or tune in to WBAL 1090 AM on the radio.