Orioles vs. Athletics prediction and odds for Friday, Aug. 18 (Back Baltimore's offense to get on track)

The Baltimore Orioles continue to push for the best record in the American League and will hope to pad its numbers against the lowly Oakland Athletics.

Kyle Gibson has pitched worse than expectation this season, can he find his form against the A's? What about Baltimore's offense, which has floundered of late, but could be in for a big outing against Luis Medina.

Here's how we're betting this one:

Orioles vs. Athletics odds, run line and total

Orioles vs. Athletics prediction and pick

The Orioles offense has been in a bit of a slump, hitting only .239 over the last 15 days, per MLB.com. However, the team should get plenty of base runners against Medina, who walks more than four batters per nine inning and has an ERA sitting at 5.31 on the year.

It's worth noting that Medina has pitched to a 3.38 ERA since the start of July, but I believe that there is some underlying regression coming his way given his suspect control. It's also worth noting that with too many balls, Medina can work up a pitch count and hand the ball to the worst bullpen in baseball (5.50 ERA).

Baltimore has been down at the plate of late, but this matchup is set up for the offense to come to life against Oakland's pitching staff.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.