Match Preview
The Athletics and Minnesota Twins complete their three-game series at Target Field on Sunday, July 26, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET.
Minnesota is expected to start left-hander Connor Prielipp, while the Athletics counter with veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Prielipp enters with a 2-5 record and a 4.99 ERA. Springs carries a 3-9 record and a 5.96 ERA into the rubber match.
The teams have split the opening two games, with each side earning a 2-0 shutout. The Athletics won Friday behind Jacob Lopez and four relievers before Minnesota responded Saturday. Alan Roden delivered a two-run single in the sixth inning, while the Twins’ pitching staff held the Athletics scoreless and limited them to an 0-for-8 performance with runners in scoring position.
Sunday’s matchup gives Minnesota the more favourable starting-pitching numbers, home-field advantage and the stronger overall record. The Twins enter at 52-54, while the Athletics sit at 44-60.
Minnesota is the preferred moneyline selection.
Athletics Analysis
The Athletics have pitched extremely well through the first two games of the series.
Their staff has allowed only two total runs across 18 innings, keeping Minnesota’s offence quiet even though the Twins have created several scoring opportunities. Springs will now attempt to continue that success in the finale.
The veteran left-hander has experience and can still keep hitters off balance when his command is sharp. However, his 5.96 ERA and 3-9 record make him difficult to trust against a Minnesota lineup that should be capable of producing more than two runs for the first time in the series.
Springs must avoid walks and prevent Minnesota from extending innings through consecutive hits. The Twins have several hitters capable of producing extra-base damage, including Byron Buxton, who leads Minnesota in hits and owns a .556 slugging percentage.
The Athletics’ offence also needs to improve after wasting several opportunities Saturday.
They placed runners in scoring position throughout the game but finished 0-for-8 in those situations and stranded seven runners. Nick Kurtz, who had just returned from the injured list, struck out four times as Oakland failed to capitalize during a critical eighth-inning opportunity.
Oakland’s clearest path to victory involves Springs keeping the score low and the lineup finally converting with runners on base. Entering a higher-scoring game would favour Minnesota.
Minnesota Twins Analysis
Prielipp gives Minnesota the slightly stronger starting-pitching profile.
His 4.99 ERA is not dominant, but it remains nearly a full run better than Springs’ mark. Minnesota has also won both games this season in which Prielipp started as the moneyline favourite.
The young left-hander must limit traffic and avoid allowing Oakland’s power hitters to gain confidence early. Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom remain dangerous despite their struggles Saturday, while Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil can create pressure through contact.
Minnesota’s bullpen should enter with confidence after combining for five scoreless innings Saturday. Taylor Rogers, Tommy Nance, Andrew Morris and Yoendrys Gómez protected the narrow lead, with Gómez earning his 13th save.
The Twins’ offence must provide more support.
Minnesota has scored only two runs through the first two games and has not consistently converted its opportunities. Roden delivered the decisive hit Saturday, but the lineup cannot depend on another single clutch moment against Springs.
Buxton, Brooks Lee, Josh Bell and Kody Clemens give Minnesota enough offensive ability to create separation. The Twins should focus on remaining patient, forcing Springs into deep counts and reaching the Athletics bullpen before the later innings.
Why We Like This Pick
Minnesota has the better record, home-field advantage and the starter with the lower ERA.
The Athletics have played well during the series, particularly from the mound, but their broader season remains difficult to ignore. Oakland is 16 games below .500 and has won only 36 percent of its games when listed as a moneyline underdog at odds of +122 or longer.
Springs has also struggled to convert starts into victories. The Athletics are 5-8 when he starts as an underdog, while Minnesota is favoured at home in the series finale.
The Twins’ offence has underperformed through two games, but the matchup against a starter carrying a 5.96 ERA presents a strong opportunity to respond.
Minnesota’s moneyline is preferred over the run line because both games in the series have been low-scoring and decided by only two runs.
Final Prediction
Expect the Athletics to remain competitive behind Springs, but Minnesota should generate more consistent scoring opportunities than it did during the opening two games.
Prielipp and the Twins bullpen should limit Oakland’s offence, while Minnesota finally produces enough timely hitting to win the rubber match at Target Field.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Twins 5, Athletics 3
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Minnesota Twins Moneyline