Houston Astros vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions June 21st 2024

Looking to Build Off Offensive Outburst, O’s Take on Astros

One day after their thrilling extra-inning win over the New York Yankees, the Baltimore Orioles left no doubt in the series finale Thursday.

Baltimore crushed the Yankees 17- 5 to close to within a half- game of New York for first place in the American League East. The Orioles, who begin a three- game road series against the Houston Astros on Friday, recorded a season high in runs and hits( 19). They scored all those runs despite stranding 14 baserunners.

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Orioles’ Dominant Performance

The Orioles’ hostile blast against the Yankees displayed their true capacity as a title competitor. The team’s abilities and the respect they have gained in the league were praised by manager Brandon Hyde.

“I don’t know what kind of statement we’re making,” Hyde said after Baltimore improved to 16-0-6 in its past 22 series against AL East opponents. “I know teams think we’re a good team, and our record shows it. The way we’ve been playing against our division and how we’ve been playing baseball the last couple years, everybody kind of knows. We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Brandon Hyde

Grayson Rodriguez’s Start

Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (8-2, 3.20 ERA) will start the series opener for the Orioles on Friday. He allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk with six strikeouts over seven innings in a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. It marked the third time in his career that Rodriguez has completed at least seven innings. He is 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts this month.

Rodriguez will make his second career start against the Astros. He did not factor into the decision of a 7-6 home loss on August 8, 2023, after allowing two runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts over six innings.

Astros’ Young Talent

Right- hander Jake Bloss is listed to make his major league debut for the Astros on Friday. He posted a1.61 ERA and an0.716 WHIP in eight starts with Double- A Corpus Christi across442/3 innings. Bloss tossed the first61/3 innings of a combined no- hitter with Cesar Gomez against San Antonio on Saturday. Bloss recorded six strikeouts and three walks in the first nine- inning no- hitter in the Hooks’ 19- time history.

Bloss, who turns 23 on Sunday, will replace veteran right- hander Justin Verlander in the rotation after Verlander landed on the injured list with neck discomfort on Tuesday. Houston named Bloss in the third round( 99th overall) in the 2023 draft out of Georgetown. MLB Pipeline designated Bloss as the 10th-stylish prospect in the Houston organization, fourth among pitchers.

Astros’ Bullpen Strength

Bloss’ success against the Orioles could depend on early run support and effective work from Astros relievers. Tayler Scott, Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly, and closer Josh Hader combined to allow one hit and one walk while recording seven strikeouts over 4 2/3 shutout innings in the Astros’ 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox in the rubber match of that three-game series on Thursday.

The Houston bullpen worked 9 2/3 scoreless innings in the series and surrendered two hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts. With Bloss making his debut, more of the same might be needed.

“Tremendous job,” Astros manager said of his bullpen.

Joe Espada

Key Matchup: Orioles vs. Astros

As the series opens, the Orioles will look to maintain their offensive momentum and secure their position in the AL East. Meanwhile, the Astros aim to give a strong launch for their novitiate pitcher and continue their bullpen’s astral performance.

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Conclusion

Friday’s game will be a pivotal test for both teams. The Orioles hope to make on their recent obnoxious success, while the Astros look to support their youthful talent and continue their winning ways. With a promising matchup between Grayson Rodriguez and Jake Bloss, fans can anticipate an instigative and competitive series opener.