The Sacramento Athletics host the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. Jacob Lopez gets the ball for the A's against Seattle's Bryce Miller in a regular season matchup that carries real weight as the calendar pushes deep into September. Television coverage is available on NBCSCA, with radio fans able to tune in on Talk 650 KSTE or catch the A's Cast broadcast.

Starting Pitchers: Jacob Lopez vs. Bryce Miller

Jacob Lopez draws the Sunday assignment for Sacramento. The right-hander has been part of the Athletics' rotation mix this season, and a strong outing here against a Seattle lineup that is capable of doing damage would go a long way toward building confidence heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The A's will need Lopez to work deep into the game and give the bullpen some relief.

Bryce Miller takes the mound for the Mariners. Miller has been a fixture in Seattle's starting rotation and brings legitimate stuff to Sutter Health Park. He generates swings and misses, so Sacramento's lineup will need to be disciplined early, work counts, and avoid chasing pitches off the plate.

Sacramento Athletics Lineup

• Henry Bolte — CF (leadoff)
• Jeff McNeil — 1B
• Zack Gelof — 3B
• Lawrence Butler — RF
• Max Muncy — DH
• Donovan Walton — 2B
• Carlos Cortes — LF
• Brian Serven — C
• Alika Williams — SS

Keys to Watch for the Athletics

Can the Middle of the Order Produce?

Zack Gelof batting third and Lawrence Butler hitting cleanup gives Sacramento a real threat at the heart of the lineup. If those two can make Miller work and put balls in play with authority, the A's have the personnel behind them — Max Muncy in the five hole — to do some damage. The Gelof-Butler combination is the engine. When it runs, this offense moves.

Bolte and McNeil Setting the Table

Henry Bolte leading off in center field and Jeff McNeil hitting second at first base is an interesting top-of-the-order construction. McNeil is a career contact hitter who can put the ball in play consistently. If Bolte gets on base and McNeil keeps the line moving, it puts immediate pressure on Miller before the heart of the order arrives.

Lopez Must Limit Damage Early

Seattle is a professional ballclub that will look to establish offense quickly against a starter. Lopez cannot afford to fall behind hitters or let the Mariners get comfortable early in the count. Keeping the ball down in the zone and getting quick outs will be essential to keeping Sacramento in the game.

Prediction

This is a competitive matchup between two September clubs with different trajectories. Miller is a capable starter who will challenge Sacramento's hitters, but the A's have enough lineup depth to scratch out runs. If Lopez can give the A's five or six solid innings and the Gelof-Butler combination delivers at least one big moment, Sutter Health Park has reason to celebrate on Sunday afternoon. Expect a close, low-scoring game that comes down to the bullpens late. Edge: Athletics, 3-2.