Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions May 8th 2025

Buxton’s Bat Ignites the Twins at the Right Time

When Byron Buxton gets hot, it’s usually bad news for opposing pitchers—and that’s exactly what the Baltimore Orioles have discovered this week. As the Minnesota Twins aim to close out a three-game sweep at home, Buxton’s surge at the plate has made him the undisputed centerpiece of the team’s recent resurgence.

After a frustrating four-game losing skid, the Twins have now rattled off four straight wins. Monday’s 9-1 blowout and Tuesday’s 5-2 victory over Baltimore have flipped the narrative, and Buxton is at the heart of it all. His three-run homer on Tuesday was his third in as many games, following a solo shot against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday and a powerful three-run drive that set the tone in Game 2 of the series.

“He’s quite dynamic,” manager Rocco Baldelli said after Tuesday’s win. “When he hits the ball at that good angle, the balls just keep going. They’re not scraping walls.”

This isn’t just a blip—it’s vintage Buxton. Known for his combination of raw power, elite speed, and defensive range, Buxton is once again showcasing what makes him such a valuable asset. And the timing couldn’t be better.

Looking for more MLB matchups? Visit the MLB Odds Page for today’s lines and predictions.

Momentum Shift: From Losing Streak to Hot Streak

Just a few days ago, Minnesota looked stuck. After losing four consecutive games, the offense appeared out of sync, and the rotation needed a reset. But baseball is a game of runs—and right now, the Twins are running hot.

This turnaround has been fueled by timely hitting, better discipline at the plate, and a stronger presence on the mound. Players like Carlos Correa and Max Kepler have contributed quality at-bats, and Buxton has stepped into a full-blown leadership role on the field.

During the winning streak, the Twins are averaging nearly 6.5 runs per game, and the pitching staff has allowed just six total runs in that same span. That’s a stark contrast to the prior stretch when they were outscored 20-8 over four losses.

The key? Consistency—and confidence.

Want expert advice on MLB picks? Head over to the MLB Betting Guide for strategy and analysis.

Bailey Ober Steps In, Ready to Keep It Rolling

Originally, Joe Ryan was set to take the mound in Game 3, but an illness sidelined him late Wednesday night. That left Bailey Ober, one of Minnesota’s most consistent starters this season, to step up and close the series.

Ober (4-1, 3.72 ERA) is in a groove. Over his last four starts, he’s 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA, showing elite command with 19 strikeouts and only 2 walks in 26 innings. His recent outing—six innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox—was a textbook display of control, mixing his fastball and slider with pinpoint accuracy.

He’s also had success against Baltimore in the past. In three career appearances versus the Orioles, Ober is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA.

With his current form and the Orioles’ bats struggling, Ober is poised to continue Minnesota’s momentum and help seal the sweep.

For full team stats and profiles, check the MLB Team Page.

Orioles Look to Break Out of a Deepening Funk

It’s a tough time to be an Orioles fan. Baltimore enters Thursday on a four-game losing streak and has dropped 22 of its first 35 games. The offense has gone flat, scoring just nine runs during the losing streak, and the lineup is full of cold bats at the same time.

Manager Brandon Hyde isn’t sugar-coating things. “We didn’t get a clutch hit in a big spot,” Hyde said after Wednesday’s game. “It’s been going on for a while.”

Baltimore left six runners on base on Wednesday, a reflection of a broader issue—lack of production with runners in scoring position. Despite some quality at-bats and decent contact, they haven’t been able to string together runs.

Hyde admits the team is stuck in a funk. “If you look at our offensive numbers, we’ve got a lot of guys struggling or not being where they hoped they’d be.”

Their best chance to stop the bleeding comes in the form of Dean Kremer, who is coming off his best start of the year—seven scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.

Your Game-Day Advantage Awaits

Register Here!

Get Free Trial

Kremer vs. Ober: A Pitching Duel to Decide the Sweep

On paper, Thursday’s matchup has the potential to be more competitive than the first two games of the series. Kremer (3-4, 5.73 ERA) showed promise in his last start, working efficiently with all four pitches and generating soft contact.

But history isn’t on his side. In two career appearances against the Twins, Kremer has been shelled—12 earned runs on 13 hits in just 7 innings. The Twins know how to hit him, and Buxton is clearly seeing the ball well right now.

For Kremer to succeed, he’ll need to locate his fastball early, stay ahead in counts, and get swings on his curveball below the zone. Otherwise, this could be another short outing for the Orioles’ rotation.

For trends and breakdowns, see the MLB Pick Page for expert predictions.

What to Watch in the Finale

Key Factors for Minnesota:

• Buxton’s plate discipline and power swing
• Bailey Ober’s ability to attack the Orioles’ top order
• Continued support from middle-of-the-order bats

Key Factors for Baltimore:

• Timely hitting, especially with runners in scoring position
• Kremer’s ability to extend innings without big pitch counts
• Defensive sharpness to limit extra bases

With another home game, momentum, and a favorable matchup, the Twins are in a prime spot to complete the sweep and keep climbing in the AL Central standings.

FAQs

How many games in a row has Byron Buxton homered?

• Three straight games, including two against the Orioles.

Why did Joe Ryan not start Game 3?

• He was scratched due to illness; Bailey Ober was moved up in the rotation.

How have the Orioles performed offensively lately?

• They’ve scored just 9 runs over a 4-game losing streak and left six runners on base in their latest game.

Is Bailey Ober pitching well this season?

• Yes, he’s 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA over his last four starts and has allowed only 2 walks in that span.

What’s Dean Kremer’s record against the Twins?

• He’s 0-2, allowing 12 earned runs in 7 total innings across two starts.

Where can I find MLB betting predictions?

• Check out the MLB Picks Page for expert insights.