Baseball fans are in for a treat as the Los Angeles Angels prepare to take on the Oakland Athletics in a highly anticipated American League showdown this Sunday, August 17, 2025. The action will unfold at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. With both teams boasting some of the game’s most electrifying talent, and playoff races beginning to heat up, there’s plenty on the line as these clubs square off in front of a national television audience on NBCS-CA and FDSW.
Heading into this matchup, the oddsmakers have made the Angels slight favorites, listing them at -112 on the moneyline and 1.5-run favorites with +142 odds. The over/under for the contest is set at 10 runs, a nod to the offensive firepower both lineups can unleash. The Athletics aren’t far behind, entering as -107 underdogs but with a recent run of strong play that’s left fans and bettors alike contemplating an upset.
Let’s break down what’s fueling the buzz around this contest. The Angels, despite a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, have shown flashes of brilliance at the plate. They’re averaging 4.9 runs per game over that stretch, powered by a home run barrage—15 big flies in their last 10 outings. However, their pitching has been a bit shaky, with a team ERA of 6.41, so they’ll need their bats to stay hot if they want to keep pace with the surging Athletics.
Leading the charge for Los Angeles is Taylor Ward, who’s put together a monster campaign with 29 home runs and 90 RBIs. That puts Ward eighth among all major league hitters in homers and sixth in RBIs—no small feat in a league brimming with slugging talent. According to the latest stats, "Ward is the Angels’ best power option," and his presence in the lineup is a constant threat to opposing pitchers.
But Ward isn’t the only Angel making noise. Nolan Schanuel has quietly put together a solid season, batting .267 with 21 doubles, a triple, and 10 home runs. His 54 walks show a disciplined approach at the plate, and while he ranks 157th in homers and 109th in RBIs among all MLB hitters, his ability to get on base sets the table for the big bats behind him.
Then there’s Zach Neto, who leads the Angels with a team-best .271 batting average. Neto is currently riding a three-game hitting streak and has been on a tear in his last five outings, batting .350 with a double, three home runs, three walks, and seven RBIs. Talk about stepping up at the right time! Jo Adell, meanwhile, adds more punch with 25 home runs and 14 doubles, though his .223 average suggests he’s more of an all-or-nothing threat.
On the Athletics’ side, Brent Rooker has been the go-to guy, launching 25 home runs and driving in 72 runs. That puts him 15th in the majors for home runs and 22nd in RBIs—a testament to his consistency and power. Tyler Soderstrom has also been a revelation, leading the team with 72 RBIs and ranking 32nd in home runs across the league. Shea Langeliers, another big bat, has matched Rooker with 25 home runs, while Nick Kurtz’s .306 average and 24 home runs make him a constant on-base and power threat.
The Athletics’ recent form has been impressive, with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games. They’re averaging 5.2 runs per game and have hit 13 home runs in that span. Perhaps most striking is their pitching, which has posted a stellar 2.86 ERA over those 10 games—an edge that could prove decisive if the Angels’ bats cool off even a little.
Betting trends offer more insight into what fans might expect. The Angels have been favored 32 times this season, winning exactly half of those games (16). When favored by at least -112 on the moneyline, they’ve won 16 of 31 games (51.6%). The bookmakers’ odds imply a 52.8% chance of victory for Los Angeles, but recent history hasn’t been kind: the Angels were moneyline favorites just twice in their last 10 games and lost both matchups. They’ve hit the over on the total in eight of their last 10 games, with a 6-4 record against the spread in that stretch.
The Athletics, meanwhile, have thrived in the underdog role, notching 41 wins in 95 games as underdogs this season. When listed as underdogs of -107 or worse, they’ve managed 36 wins in 89 chances. The implied odds give them a 51.7% shot at victory—basically a coin flip. In their last 10 games as underdogs, the Athletics have won three and hit the over on the total four times, while going 5-5 against the spread.
For those following the prop bets, there’s plenty to watch. Angels stars like Travis d’Arnaud, Mike Trout, Luis Rengifo, Jo Adell, and Zach Neto all have player props for hits, total bases, and RBIs, with odds reflecting their recent performance and matchup potential. On the Athletics’ side, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, Nick Kurtz, JJ Bleday, and Darell Hernaiz headline the prop market, each with their own set of expectations for hits and RBIs.
Of course, no preview would be complete without a nod to the recent fireworks from Mike Trout, who recently crushed a 484-foot solo home run against the Giants. While Trout isn’t the singular focus of this game, his presence in the lineup is always a game-changer, and fans will be eager to see if he can deliver another jaw-dropping moment.
With both teams fielding lineups stacked with power and young talent, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a back-and-forth affair. The Athletics’ recent pitching dominance could be tested by the Angels’ home run prowess, while the Angels’ arms will need to find a way to cool off Rooker, Soderstrom, and Kurtz.
As the Angels and Athletics take the field in West Sacramento, the stakes are clear: every win counts as the postseason picture comes into focus. With betting lines razor-thin and both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect plenty of drama, big swings, and maybe a few surprises before the final out is recorded. Stay tuned—this is one matchup you won’t want to miss!
