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Yankees vs. Athletics: Judge and Wilson Headline Must-Watch Showdown in Oakland
Get ready for fireworks as two of MLB’s hottest hitters square off this afternoon in Oakland. Aaron Judge, leading the charge for the surging New York Yankees (22–16) with a blistering .396 batting average, faces off against promising rookie Jacob Wilson (.354 AVG) and the scrappy Oakland Athletics (20–19) in a matchup that promises plenty of offensive firepower.
First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET at Sutter Health Park, with coverage on MLB Network, NBCS-CA, and YES Network. The Yankees, listed as -159 favorites, aim to extend their winning streak against an Athletics squad looking to halt a three-game slide.
Rodon vs. Sears: A Tight Pitching Battle
The game features a strong pitching matchup: Carlos Rodon (4–3, 2.96 ERA) starts for New York, while JP Sears (4–2, 2.93 ERA) toes the rubber for Oakland. Both lefties have been sharp this season, setting the stage for a potentially low-scoring duel—unless the bats steal the spotlight.
The Yankees have thrived as favorites, boasting a 20–11 record when favored on the moneyline. When listed at odds of -159 or shorter, they’ve gone 11–4 (73.3%). Oakland, meanwhile, has struggled in the underdog role, winning just 44% (11-of-25) of such games this season and only 1–4 as underdogs of +134 or more.
Judge vs. Sears: A Marquee Matchup
At the heart of this contest is Aaron Judge, who leads the Yankees in home runs (12), RBIs (34), and average (.396). He’ll be tested by Sears, who has quietly put together one of the better starts in the American League. To win, the Athletics must neutralize Judge—easier said than done against the league’s No. 3 offense.
New York leads MLB with 66 home runs, averaging 5.7 runs per game and slugging .475—tops in the league. The A’s pitching staff, however, enters with a team ERA of 4.59 (24th in MLB), which could prove problematic against such a high-octane lineup.
Oakland's Power Potential
While the Yankees dominate the power rankings, the Athletics can’t be overlooked. Oakland ranks eighth in the league with 47 home runs, capable of capitalizing on any mistakes from the Yankees' staff, which ranks ninth in ERA (3.55) and eighth in WHIP (1.191).
Leading that charge is Jacob Wilson, who continues to impress in his rookie campaign and looks poised to be a central figure in the A’s long-term rebuild. Though the Yankees are favored, Wilson’s emergence adds unpredictability to what could otherwise look like a lopsided matchup.
Key Injuries and Broadcast Info
As of now, there are no major confirmed injuries for either team, though fans are encouraged to monitor updates through team sites or official social media channels closer to game time.
Where to Watch:
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TV: MLB Network (National), YES (Yankees), NBCS-CA (Athletics)
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Streaming: Fubo (free trial available), with regional blackout rules possibly in effect
What’s at Stake
This matchup marks more than a mid-May game—it’s a clash between a powerhouse team trying to stay atop the AL East and a young, hungry team fighting to stay in the playoff conversation. Whether Judge continues his MVP-caliber tear or Wilson sparks an Oakland upset, today’s game is must-see baseball.
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