Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions September 18th 2025

Athletics vs Red Sox Picks and Predictions — September 18, 2025

The Oakland Athletics visit Fenway Park to take on the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night. Boston (83-69) continues its playoff push, holding a strong 46-31 home record. Oakland (71-81) has played competitive baseball of late, going 6-4 over its last ten, but dropped a tight 5-4 decision to the Sox in the series opener, as reflected on the recent MLB scoreboards.

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Explore the Edge

Opening odds:

• Moneyline: Red Sox −157, Athletics +134
• Runline: Red Sox −1.5 (+135), Athletics +1.5 (−160)
• Total (Over/Under): 9.0 runs

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Athletics Can Win If…

• Their power bats deliver. Oakland ranks 3rd in slugging and home runs, with Nick Kurtz (32 HR, .294 AVG) and Shea Langeliers (30 HR) anchoring the lineup.
• They generate extra-base hits. Ranked 3rd in doubles, the A’s can pressure Boston pitchers by consistently putting runners in scoring position.
• Their bullpen holds up. While the staff ERA (4.74, 27th) has been a liability, keeping the game close late is the only way to flip momentum at Fenway.

“We know our bats can keep us in games even when pitching struggles,” Oakland’s dugout emphasized after recent tight contests.

Red Sox Can Win If…

• Brayan Bello stays steady. With an 11-5 record, 3.25 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP, he gives Boston an edge on the mound and can limit Oakland’s sluggers.
• The lineup keeps producing doubles. Boston leads MLB with 303 doubles, showcasing their depth in creating scoring opportunities.
• Middle-order hitters stay consistent. In their 5-4 win over Oakland, Trevor Story and Masataka Yoshida both tallied two hits, while Rob Refsnyder homered.

“We’ve got different guys stepping up every night,” Boston’s staff said after another close victory.

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Pick: Red Sox Moneyline (−157)
Projected Final Score: Red Sox 5, Athletics 3
Total Lean: Under 9.0

Reasoning: Boston’s pitching edge behind Bello and its high-contact lineup tilt this matchup. Oakland can slug its way into games, but against a top-five ERA staff, the odds lean Boston. With Bello’s control and the Sox bullpen, expect the game to stay just under the posted total.

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