What To Expect in Athletics Next Opportunity vs. Brewers

Here is everything to watch out for, as the Athletics look to win a game in front of its future home crowd.

May 18, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) waits during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After a crushing Game 1 loss in the Athletics first game back to Vegas since 1996, it can be inferred that Game 2 will look much different.

After a combined 28-run outing from both the Brewers and Athletics, each team now understands that they need to ditch the playbook. This offensive outpour was simply unprecedented and will, without a doubt, affect how the rest of the series is played. Here is what could happen.

J.T. Ginn Struggles

Jun 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn throws a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Following the result of Game 1, it is obvious that the Las Vegas Ballpark is a very hitter-friendly stadium. With that said, it is likely that J.T. Ginn struggles during his outing, even though he is widely considered the Athletics' best pitcher. However, if he can avoid the inevitable hiccups, the A's should win this game.

Kyle Harrison, the Brewers' starting pitcher in Game 1, was a clear-cut example that being a good pitcher does not matter in Vegas. He was one of a few pitchers who had not given up more than two runs during his starts this season. Against the A's, he would allow eight hits and eight runs in just 2.1 innings.

The Bullpen Will Determine the Result

Apr 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Luis Medina (46) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

The Athletics would go through six relievers during the Game 1 loss. This is troubling, considering there are still two more games left in the series. If Ginn is unable to overcome the disadvantages mentioned earlier, the Athletics really don't have many pitchers to fall back on.

In Game 2, we could see Scott Barlow, Elvis Alvarado, and Hogan Harris. While each pitcher has had their moments, they have been fairly inconsistent this season. A theme that is common for each of the Athletics relievers, and something that will hurt them a lot during this series.

Athletics' Offense Remains Red Hot

May 25, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) jogs around the bases after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Ballpark is doing the Athletics a lot of favors. 34 hits were recorded during the game, 16 of which came from the Athletics, and the team as a whole would hit .314, with a 1.140 OPS. If the Athletics can stay consistent, and if Ginn is able to hold things down for the most part, this game will go the Athletics way.

Right now, the Athletics have multiple players who are on a hot streak. Most notably, Tyler Soderstrom, who is hitting .405 in the last 15 days. Zack Gelof has also been incredible, as he is on a 13-game hitting streak while hitting .353 in the last 15 days. Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers are also two players who will, without a doubt, make a huge impact for the rest of the series.