The Baltimore Orioles started Friday off in the cellar (10-14) of the AL East but only 4.5 games back. A little shocking considering the way they have played lately.
Looking at their run differential (-27), most of that is from one game (Reds’ 24-2 victory over O’s), the offense has managed to score an average of 7.3 runs in their 10 victories.
One big issue the Birds have outside of team morale is the inability to string together some wins and help turn around their season.
The Orioles will have to figure their business out quickly as the Tigers lead the AL Central. Detroit is outscoring opponents by 30 runs and is 10-3 at home.
The Orioles will send rookie Brandon Young (0-0, 6.75 ERA), Charlie Morton (0-5, 10.89 ERA) and Dean Kremer (2-3, 6.84 ERA) to the mound this series. These three starters will need to provide some length to help give the bullpen some much-needed rest.
Detroit will counter with Casey Mize (3-1, 2.22), Jackson Jobe (2-0, 2.70 ERA) and Tarik Skubal (2-2, 2.83 ERA).
With the Tigers having one of the stronger pitching staffs in the league, the Oriole offense will have its hands full.
BATTERY ❌-FACTOR
The Orioles’ schedule is about to get really tough, and it could be the difference in the entire season. The next three series are against teams that are all postseason contenders.
After struggling in the last two series against teams who should be on a level below the Orioles, the Birds are going to have to change their approach and mentality.
It is this reason that our BATTERY ❌-FACTOR will be improved and increased team morale.
This is essentially the same core that was never out of games until the final out and would cheer and pick each other up two years ago. That closeness and bond need to be strengthened, and that will be the first step in turning around the season.
If the Birds can find the fun and excitement that carried them to October the last two seasons, it will go a long way towards helping them win this series against the Tigers. Show some energy for crying out loud!
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUP
It all starts today with a doubleheader, with game one due for a first pitch at 1:10 p.m. EST. Game two is slated to start at 6:10 p.m. EST and game three estimated to begin at 1:40 p.m. EST. Each game can be seen on MASN2 and MASN+, as well as broadcast via your local Orioles Radio Network station.
Will the Orioles find the magic of the last two seasons, or have the talented Tigers arrived, ready to swat that magic away?
How do you see this series playing out? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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