Athletics vs. Orioles: The first matchup of this three-game series takes place at Camden Yards, where Tomoyuki Sugano and the Orioles host J.T. Ginn and the Athletics. It’s the highest total on today’s MLB slate, with most books posting a flat 10. Let’s look for a way to capitalize on this expected run fest with a wager on a team total.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page, here.
Athletics vs. Orioles Best Bet – August 8

Can Brent Rooker keep the hot bat going in Baltimore?
Check out BetOnline’s New No Strings Welcome Offer that gives new MLB players up to $250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Casino Spins with their first deposit. Find out more about this Promotion as well as lots of other Free Sportsbook Promos right here!
It’s no surprise this game’s total is as high as 10 – both teams can hit, and one of the starting pitchers is a walking red flag: Sugano.
Sugano has started 21 games this season and holds a 4.42 ERA. That alone is concerning, but the underlying numbers are even worse. His expected ERA is 5.85, and his FIP is 5.07. He’s also giving up a ton of hard contact, with a 14% home run-to-fly ball ratio and a 12% barrel rate. In short, he’s been getting pummeled often this year, and the A’s are in a great spot to keep that trend going.
A’s vs. Sugano
That’s why I’m focused on fading Sugano alone. He’s the weak link on the mound, and this A’s lineup has what it takes to get to him early.
The Athletics have been strong against right-handed pitching all year: .752 OPS, .182 ISO, .326 wOBA, and a 106 wRC+. And despite the boost from their hitter-friendly home park in Sacramento, their road splits are just as good – even better, actually, since July 1: .821 OPS, .244 ISO, .350 wOBA, and a 124 wRC+.
Their team total is set at 4.5, with -135 odds to the over. That’s some juice that’s worth the squeeze in this matchup. I actually thought the number would be listed at 5.5, so even though we’re laying 35 cents of vig, getting it at 4.5 feels like a valuable spot.
Best Bet: A’s Team Total Over 4.5 (-135) odds via BetOnline
Want More Betting Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @dannyburke5 for all my picks, analysis and plenty more. Also be sure to follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch to catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below among our best online sportsbooks and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Betting Resources at Betting News
- Picks & Odds for the NFL
- NFL Betting Guide for Beginners
- Pick & Odds for NCAAF
- NCAAF Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the MLB
- MLB Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the NBA
- NBA Betting Guide for Beginners
- Picks & Odds in the NHL
- NHL Betting Guide for Beginners
More Betting Stories