Athletics vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Wednesday August 5 2026
The Athletics will face the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday evening. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET, with NBC Sports California and Reds.TV providing television coverage. The Athletics entered the series with a 45-67 record, while Cincinnati stood at 53-58. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free MLB picks for additional baseball predictions throughout the season.
Starting Pitchers
Cincinnati is scheduled to start Rhett Lowder, who enters Wednesday with a 3-7 record, a 5.42 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and a 1.52 WHIP. The Athletics had not officially named their starting pitcher when this preview was completed. Lowder’s elevated ERA and WHIP create an opportunity for the visiting lineup, although the Athletics’ recent offensive difficulties make it difficult to assume they will take full advantage of the matchup.
Athletics Attempt to Halt Their Extended Slide
The Athletics arrived in Cincinnati carrying a five-game losing streak and having dropped eight of their previous nine contests. They lost three of four games against Boston before being swept at home by Detroit. The Athletics were outscored 32-7 during the three-game Detroit series, including an 11-0 defeat Sunday. That shutout left the club at 45-67 overall and 24-31 on the road entering Tuesday’s series opener.
The Athletics are averaging 4.3 runs per game while batting .245 as a team. They have accumulated 134 home runs and 55 stolen bases, demonstrating that the lineup can produce power even if it does not apply much pressure with its running game. The greater concern has been a pitching staff carrying a 5.42 ERA and allowing opposing hitters to bat .269. Those numbers have regularly forced the offense to overcome sizable deficits.
The Athletics’ most important task Wednesday will be avoiding another damaging start. They allowed Detroit to score early throughout the weekend and never gave themselves a realistic opportunity to settle into Sunday’s game. Cincinnati does not possess an overwhelming offensive profile, but it has enough power to punish a struggling pitching staff. The Athletics need their unannounced starter to keep the contest manageable while their lineup attacks Lowder’s 5.42 ERA.
Cincinnati Looks to Continue Its Improved Form
Cincinnati entered this series having won three of its previous four games. The Reds took three of four at home against Pittsburgh, earning victories of 3-2, 8-7, and 10-2. Their only defeat during that set was a 4-1 loss Saturday. Cincinnati closed the series with its most complete offensive performance, scoring ten runs while preventing Pittsburgh from mounting a serious comeback. The Reds began the week at 53-58 overall and 26-31 at Great American Ball Park.
The Reds are averaging 4.2 runs per game while batting .230. Cincinnati has hit 145 home runs and stolen 81 bases, giving the lineup two different ways to create pressure. The home team owns more power and speed than the Athletics despite carrying the lower batting average. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has recorded a 4.41 ERA while allowing opponents to bat .245, providing the Reds with a substantial statistical advantage over the visiting staff.
Lowder represents the central question for Cincinnati. His 5.42 ERA and 1.52 WHIP are concerning, particularly against an Athletics lineup averaging slightly more runs per game than the Reds. However, Cincinnati should have the more favorable opportunity to generate offense against a pitching staff with a 5.42 ERA and .269 opposing batting average. If Lowder can provide five competitive innings, the Reds should be positioned to take control through their offense and bullpen.
Athletics vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction
- Pick: Cincinnati Reds Moneyline
I am taking Cincinnati on the moneyline. Lowder has not been especially reliable, but the Athletics entered the series having lost eight of nine games and five straight overall. Their pitching staff has struggled throughout the season and was just overwhelmed for 32 runs during a three-game sweep by Detroit. Cincinnati has won three of its last four and scored 21 runs across those victories. I trust the Reds’ offense and pitching staff more in this matchup, especially with Cincinnati playing at home.
- Pick: Over 9
I also favor Over 9 runs if that becomes the posted total. Lowder’s 5.42 ERA gives the Athletics a reasonable chance to contribute several runs, while Cincinnati should receive an advantageous matchup against a visiting staff carrying the same 5.42 team ERA. The Athletics have allowed opponents to bat .269, and the Reds produced ten runs in their most recent completed game. Neither pitching profile inspires enough confidence to support the under, so I expect both clubs to generate scoring opportunities and push this contest over the target number.
This game preview was completed prior to game play on Tuesday.