Orioles vs. Rockies discussion

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 27: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 27, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images Folks, Orioles baseball is get

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What is the story about?

Folks, Orioles baseball is getting quite interesting of late. The Birds have been playing capable, credible baseball, and now they’re within one game of the last Wild Card. The offense is, maybe not humming, but it’s providing thump and interest. And lots of power: the Orioles have 31 home runs in their last 18 games.

That shouldn’t change as they head to Coors Field in Denver, notorious for its thin air and propensity for dingers. Also because the Rockies are the worst team in the league, to include

their pitching.

Colorado’s starter today looks to fit this mold. Tanner Gordon is a 28-year-old righty who’s been in the league since 2024 and has just 42 games under his belt (30 starts). He’s posted an ERA of 8.65, 6.33 and 5.38 in parts of three seasons thus far, this year being his best. Gordon is considered to have a nice changeup, and not a ton else. His four-seamer has a run value of -4; his slider -5, his curveball -6, and his sinker -3. I know which one I’d want to hit. He doesn’t walk too many batters, though, so that’s nice.

To face this right-handed behemoth, the Orioles are sending up a lot of lefties, as you’d guess: six, in fact, in Holliday, Henderson, Beavers, Basallo, Cowser, and Taveras. Holliday bats leadoff, followed by Iron Man Pete Alonso, who refuses to miss time with his sore calf. Coby Mayo, hitting .308 with 8 RBI in his last week, is batting cleanup. It’s also good to see Basallo getting the start at catcher, since he’d just recently taken a foul ball to his throwing hand.

For Baltimore, and giving a tired-looking starting rotation something of a breather, is Cade Povich, called up today for this start. (To make room for Povich, the Orioles optioned right-hander Anthony Nunez, who’s 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA in 44 games.) In six games (five starts) with the big-league club this year, Povich is 2-1 with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. His walks, usually a problem, are slightly down from last season (3.45 per game to 3.18).

Will the balls be flying out of Coors Field tonight?

Orioles lineup