The New York Yankees look to continue their strong start to the 2026 season as they host the Oakland Athletics for the second game of their series this Thursday afternoon. Fresh off a 5-3 victory on Tuesday, the Yankees (8-3) aim to solidify their position atop the standings, while the Athletics (4-7) are desperate to snap a two-game road skid and even the series.

First pitch from Yankee Stadium is set for 1:35 p.m. ET, with the Yankees entering as heavy -213 favorites on the money line. The over/under for total runs is set at 8. New York holds a commanding historical edge in this matchup, leading the all-time series and winning seven of the last ten meetings.

For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the game, the latest projections from SportsLine's proven computer model are in. After simulating this contest 10,000 times, the model has identified a strong trend: it's leaning towards the Over on the 8-run total.

The data supports this pick. The Yankees' offense has been clicking, with the game total going Over in four of their last five outings. Oakland's recent games have followed a similar pattern, with three of their last four also exceeding the projected total. Furthermore, the Over has hit in seven of the Yankees' last ten games played on a Thursday, adding another statistical layer to this prediction.

Whether you're backing the Bronx Bombers' powerful lineup or watching to see if Oakland's pitching can silence the bats, this afternoon matchup promises plenty of action. Grab your favorite Yankees jersey or Athletics cap and get ready for some Thursday afternoon baseball.