Miami Marlins vs Athletics Picks and Prediction for Friday July 3 2026
The Miami Marlins travel to face the Athletics on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM ET, and the game will be televised on MLB.TV. The Athletics enter as -126 moneyline favorites, while the Marlins are listed at +105. The run line has Miami at +1.5 (-181) and the Athletics at -1.5 (+149). The total is set at 10.5 runs. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks.
Starting Pitchers Get the Call
The Marlins are expected to start Tyler Phillips, who enters Friday with a 1-3 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.31 WHIP across 65.2 innings. Phillips has allowed 56 hits while striking out 50 batters, walking 30, and surrendering seven home runs. The Athletics are scheduled to counter with Jack Perkins, who is 2-3 with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over 51.0 innings. Perkins has allowed 51 hits, recorded 62 strikeouts, issued 17 walks, and given up six home runs.
Miami Looks to Regain Its Winning Form
The Marlins enter this matchup with a 46-42 overall record and an 18-25 road record. Miami has gone 2-3 over its last five games, recently defeating Colorado twice while recently losing to Colorado twice and St. Louis once. Despite the recent uneven stretch, the Marlins still hold the better overall record entering this series.
Miami is batting .250 as a team with 386 runs, 721 hits, and 79 home runs. The Marlins have posted a .326 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff owns a 3.95 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .227 batting average. Miami has also drawn 295 walks, recorded 732 strikeouts, and is 23-16 in day games.
The Marlins' biggest advantage is on the pitching side. Miami owns the lower team ERA, lower WHIP, and lower opponent batting average in this matchup. Their scheduled starter also enters with a significantly lower ERA than the Athletics' starter, giving the visitors a solid edge on the mound.
Athletics Hope to Build Off Their Latest Win
The Athletics come into Friday's contest with a 41-46 overall record and a 19-25 home record. They have dropped four of their last five games, recently losing to the Dodgers twice and the Angels twice before earning a victory over Los Angeles in their most recent game. The Athletics will try to carry that momentum into the opener of this series.
The Athletics are hitting .248 with 401 runs, 738 hits, and 112 home runs. They own a .327 on-base percentage and a .411 slugging percentage. On the mound, they have recorded a 4.97 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .264. The Athletics have drawn 330 walks, struck out 733 batters, and are 12-17 in day games.
The Athletics' biggest strength has been their power. They have hit 112 home runs, which is considerably more than Miami's 79, and they have also scored more runs overall. However, their pitching staff has struggled compared to the Marlins, making run prevention a key challenge entering this game.
Miami Marlins vs Athletics Picks and Prediction
Miami Marlins vs Athletics Pick
- Pick: Miami Marlins Moneyline
Miami is my pick on the moneyline. The Marlins own the better overall record, and their pitching staff has been more effective throughout the season. They also have the advantage in the starting pitching matchup, with their scheduled starter carrying a much lower ERA than the Athletics' starter. While the Athletics have more power, Miami's stronger pitching profile gives the visitors the edge.
Miami Marlins vs Athletics Total Pick
- Pick: Under 10.5
I'm taking the under 10.5 runs in this matchup. Miami enters with a team ERA of 3.95 and an opponent batting average of .227, while its scheduled starter owns a 3.02 ERA. Although the Athletics have produced solid power numbers this season, I believe Miami's pitching gives this game a good chance to stay below the posted total.
Final Score Prediction: Miami Marlins 6 – Athletics 4
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Thursday.