I am going to recommend that the Orioles start off their six-game road trip strongly. Tonight they start a weekend series with the Nationals, who are not exactly a powerhouse. Then they travel to Florida to play the Rays, who are very scary this year. So let’s bank some wins!
Shane Baz is starting for the Orioles, and we are all still waiting for his breakout moment. Maybe it’ll come tonight! That would be swell. He’ll be facing Zack Littell, who has been downright awful so far this season. In addition
to his 6.94 ERA, Littell has given up a bunch of home runs (14 in 36.1 innings) and barely strikes anyone out. He also gives up his fair share of walks. I would really enjoy seeing the Orioles have a patient hitting approach tonight. Get on base and sock some dingers, boys.
If Baz can keep James Wood and CJ Abrams from doing much damage, maybe he can have a good game.
I thought the Orioles might make a roster move before today’s game to jettison catcher Maverick Handley in favor of an outfielder, but they did not. Samuel Basallo has been limited to DH’ing since his home plate collision on Mother’s Day. Maybe that knee is still bothering him too much to spend a game behind the plate.
By the way, the Nationals are introducing their team puppy to the world today. Natty is an eight-week-old Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix and I am hoping he gets a lot of camera time. Team dogs for everyone!
Orioles lineup
Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
Taylor Ward (R) LF
Adley Rutschman (S) C
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Samuel Basallo (L) DH
Tyler O’Neill (R) RF
Colton Cowser (L) CF
Coby Mayo (R) 3B
Jeremiah Jackson (R) 2B
Nationals lineup
James Wood (L) RF
Luis García Jr. (L) DH
Curtis Mead (R) 1B
CJ Abrams (L) SS
Daylen Lile (L) LF
Brady House (R) 3B
Jorbit Vivas (L) 2B
Drew Millas (S) C
Jacob Young (R) CF
Let’s go O’s!
