It has come time for the first leg of the Beltway Series between the Orioles and Nationals in 2023.
In year 17 of this geographical rivalry, the Orioles are ahead with a record of 51-39 against their national league neighbors. The Birds come into this series at 9-7 with momentum from an exciting comeback and a day off under their belts. The Nationals sit at 5-11.
Dean Kremer and a pitcher to be determined later will represent the Orioles on the mound in these two games. The Nationals will throw out Josiah Gray and Mackenzie Gore, two young promising starters.
Kremer looks to have his first good outing of the season against an offense that is towards the bottom of the league in most categories. So far this year, Kremer has given up 13 runs in 12.1 innings while failing to pitch more than five innings in any of those starts.
Luckily for the Orioles, the day off before this series should help out the bullpen. They should be decently rested and ready for two games before another off day. Félix Bautista would be available in both games, as well as Danny Columbe.
If Kremer can get back on track, this series will be a good way to further rest the bullpen while also regaining some confidence in the starting pitching.
BATTERY ❌️-FACTOR
Offensively, the bats should not have much trouble carrying the pitching, which leads us into our BATTERY ❌️-FACTOR for this series. The lineup needs to attack the Nats’ pitching staff early and often.
Washington’s pitching staff is 21st in team ERA at 4.82. The O’s offense, which is second in the league in runs scored, can take a huge load off their own pitching staff by getting ahead early.
The Birds will be facing two young arms, and working the counts and driving up their pitch counts will be their best path to victory. The O’s are among the league lead in pitches per plate appearance, and against these young arms, that stat will prove itself.
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUPS
Baltimore Orioles (9-7): Managed by Brandon Hyde
1. Cedric Mullins CF
2. Adley Rutschman C
3. Ryan Mountcastle DH
4. Anthony Santander RF
5. Adam Frazier 2B
6. Austin Hays LF
7. Gunnar Henderson 3B
8. Jorge Mateo SS
9. Ryan O’Hearn 1B
SP. Dean Kremer RHP (0-0, 9.49 ERA)
Washington Nationals (5-11): Managed by Dave Martinez
1. Lane Thomas RF
2. Dominic Smith 1B
3. Joey Meneses DH
4. Jeimer Candelario 3B
5. Luis García 2B
6. Keibert Ruiz C
7. Stone Garrett LF
8. CJ Abrams SS
9. Victor Robles CF
SP. Josiah Gray RHP (0-3, 4.32)
Game one of this series begins tonight from Nationals Park, with first pitch for both games set for 7:05 p.m. EST. You can catch each game on MASN2 or on your local Orioles Radio Network station.
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