The Sacramento Athletics wrap up the week at home when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Sutter Health Park, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET. Jeffrey Springs gets the ball for the A's against Angels right-hander Walbert Ureña in a late-season regular season matchup that carries real weight as both clubs look to close out 2026 with something to show for it. Catch the action locally on NBCSCA or Talk 650 KSTE.
Pitching Matchup: Jeffrey Springs vs. Walbert Ureña
Springs is Sacramento's starter on Wednesday, and his presence on the mound is always worth paying attention to. A lefty with the ability to work multiple pitch shapes and keep hitters off-balance, Springs has been a meaningful part of this rotation. The A's will need him to log innings and limit traffic early — letting this bullpen work from ahead rather than scrambling from behind is always the preferred formula at Sutter Health Park.
For the Angels, Walbert Ureña draws the start. Ureña is a younger arm working to carve out a role at the big league level, and facing him requires the A's lineup to stay disciplined and look for pitches to drive early in counts. Sacramento's offense needs to make Ureña work, turn the lineup over, and put pressure on the Angels' bullpen if this game is going to swing the A's way.
Keys to Watch for Sacramento
- Springs' command: If Springs can attack the zone consistently and avoid deep counts, Sacramento has a strong path to keeping the Angels' lineup in check deep into the game.
- Plate discipline against Ureña: The A's will want to see pitches, grind at-bats, and avoid chasing early. Getting into the Angels' bullpen sooner rather than later benefits Sacramento.
- Home crowd factor: Sutter Health Park in late September has energy, and the Athletics have shown they can feed off that atmosphere. A loud home crowd won't change the box score, but it sets a tone.
- Bullpen management: Depending on how deep Springs goes, Sacramento's relief corps will need to be sharp. Late-inning situations in close games tend to define September outcomes.
Prediction
This figures to be a tight, low-scoring game decided by a handful of at-bats and how well each starter navigates trouble. Springs gives the A's a legitimate shot to keep the Angels quiet, and Sacramento's lineup should be able to do enough against Ureña to generate the runs needed. The home setting at Sutter Health Park adds a layer of advantage the A's should be able to lean on. Call it a 4-2 Sacramento win — Springs goes six solid, the offense strings together a few key hits in the middle innings, and the A's close it out with a lead worth protecting.
