The Sacramento Athletics return to Sutter Health Park on Wednesday, August 26, for a regular season matchup against the Minnesota Twins, with first pitch set for 9:05 PM ET. Right-hander J.T. Ginn gets the ball for Sacramento against Twins lefty prospect Connor Prielipp. With the AL West race continuing to grind through late August, every home game at Sutter Health Park carries weight, and this one is no different. Catch it on NBCSCA or Talk 650 KSTE if you can't make it out to the park.

Probable Starters: Ginn vs. Prielipp

J.T. Ginn draws the start for the A's in what figures to be a compelling pitching matchup between two younger arms still carving out their big-league identities. Ginn has shown the stuff to keep lineups off-balance, and getting this start at home in front of the Sutter Health Park crowd is an opportunity he'll want to seize. Minnesota counters with Connor Prielipp, a left-hander the Twins have been developing. Neither pitcher has verified season numbers available at this writing, so the story will be told in real time Wednesday night.

Sacramento Athletics Lineup

• 1. Henry Bolte — CF
• 2. Zack Gelof — LF
• 3. Lawrence Butler — RF
• 4. Jonah Heim — C
• 5. Tommy White — 1B
• 6. Michael Stefanic — 2B
• 7. Brian Serven — DH
• 8. Alika Williams — SS
• 9. Darell Hernaiz — 3B

Minnesota Twins Lineup

• 1. Luke Keaschall — CF
• 2. Brooks Lee — 3B
• 3. Josh Bell — DH
• 4. Ryan Jeffers — C
• 5. Kody Clemens — 2B
• 6. Royce Lewis — 1B
• 7. Trevor Larnach — LF
• 8. Kaelen Culpepper — SS
• 9. Alan Roden — RF

Keys to Watch

Lawrence Butler in the Middle of the Order

Hitting third, Lawrence Butler is the engine Sacramento needs running to generate offense. If Butler can get on base and drive in runs against a left-handed starter in Prielipp, the A's lineup has a chance to do real damage early. The top three of Bolte, Gelof, and Butler needs to set the table consistently.

Royce Lewis Is a Threat Anywhere in the Lineup

Minnesota's Royce Lewis slots in at first base and bats sixth, which might seem buried, but Lewis has the kind of pop that punishes any lapse in concentration. Ginn will need to be sharp and avoid falling behind Lewis in counts.

Ginn's Ability to Navigate a Deep Twins Lineup

Minnesota's lineup has enough variety — Jeffers behind the plate, Bell as a veteran presence at DH, Keaschall providing speed at the top — to stress a starter in multiple ways. Ginn's command and ability to go deep into the game will be critical. If he can get through six innings and hand the ball to the bullpen with a lead, Sacramento is in good shape.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home for the Athletics. Sutter Health Park has been a genuine advantage, and Sacramento's lineup, built around Butler, Gelof, and Heim, has the pieces to do damage against an unproven arm in Prielipp. Ginn will need to bring his best stuff, but the home environment tips this one in Sacramento's favor. A's 4, Twins 2.