Baltimore Orioles vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions May 18th 2025

Orioles Look to Stop Skid, Avoid Sweep by Resurgent Nationals

The Baltimore Orioles enter Sunday’s finale of a three-game set against the Washington Nationals in search of answers—and a much-needed victory.

After firing manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday, the Orioles will play their first full game under interim manager Tony Mansolino, hoping to snap a five-game losing streak and avoid being swept at home by their Beltway rivals.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET at Camden Yards, with Zach Eflin squaring off against Michael Soroka.

Turmoil in Baltimore: Mansolino Takes Over in Midst of Collapse

Saturday’s 10-6 loss was just the latest blow in a month where Baltimore has now dropped 11 of its last 13 games, tumbling to last place in the AL East.

Hyde’s firing, though not a complete surprise given the team’s regression, left players stunned.

“This isn’t a good thing for us,” said Tony Mansolino, who had served as the third-base coach. “We’re going to miss Brandon in a lot of ways.”

Mansolino, in his first big-league managerial role, has already shuffled the staff:

• Buck Britton shifts to third-base coach and infield instructor
• Tim Cossins, catching instructor and field coordinator, was also dismissed

Despite the chaos, Mansolino emphasized short-term goals: “Right now, our focus has to be getting to .500.”

Eflin Gets the Nod as Orioles Try to Avoid Sweep

Zach Eflin (3-1, 3.13 ERA) will start for Baltimore in what is only his second outing since returning from the IL. He pitched five innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the Angels in a 7-3 win—which also happens to be Baltimore’s last victory.

• Career vs. Nationals: 5-5, 4.66 ERA in 13 games
• WHIP (2024): 1.18
• Last 5 Starts: 3-0, 2.95 ERA

Eflin’s efficiency and ground-ball tendencies could help offset a Nationals lineup that’s been aggressive early in games.

Nationals Seek First Sweep Since Early May

While the Orioles spiral, the Nationals (22-25) have quietly strung together back-to-back wins and are chasing their first series sweep since May 3-6.

On Saturday, they opened up a 7-0 lead after two innings, thanks to timely hitting and shaky Baltimore defense.

Washington manager Dave Martinez isn’t taking the situation lightly.

“We’re going to go 1-0 every day. That’s the mindset,” Martinez said.

The Nationals’ pitching has held Baltimore in check and now turns to Michael Soroka (0-2, 6.43 ERA) for the finale.

• Last Start: 4 IP, 2 ER at Atlanta
• 2024 WHIP: 1.79
• Career vs. Orioles: 1 appearance, 3 IP, 2 R (1 ER)

Soroka has yet to pitch beyond five innings this season and has battled command issues, so Washington will likely lean on its bullpen early if needed.

Own Your Fantasy League

Daily MLB Lineup Tips

Get Free Trial

Key Player Notes & Matchups

• Amed Rosario (WAS): Missed last 2 games with knee injury but could return Sunday
• Ramon Laureano (BAL): Called out teammates, hit his 2nd HR of the season Saturday
• Ramon Urias (BAL): .267 AVG, 5 RBIs in last 10 games
• Ivan Herrera (WAS): Hitting .413 over 14 games, 1-for-4 Saturday
• Anthony Santander (BAL): 3 HRs in May, 1-for-15 last 4 games
• Orioles Runs Allowed (Last 5 Games): 39 total (7.8 avg)

What to Watch

• Can Eflin give the Orioles length? His pitch efficiency could be vital for a taxed bullpen.
• Will Soroka stay sharp through multiple innings? He’s yet to complete five this season.
• Will Baltimore respond to the Hyde firing? A strong outing would give interim manager Mansolino a statement win.
• Can Washington keep producing early? Fast starts have been key in their last two wins.

FAQs

Why did the Orioles fire Brandon Hyde?
The team’s sharp decline in performance (11 losses in 13 games) amid clubhouse unrest led to the move.

Who is Tony Mansolino?
Former Orioles third-base coach, now interim manager. This is his first MLB managerial role.

Who is starting Sunday’s game?

• Orioles: Zach Eflin (3-1, 3.13 ERA)
• Nationals: Michael Soroka (0-2, 6.43 ERA)

When was the last Nationals sweep?
May 3–6, 2024. They’re going for their second three-game sweep of the year.

Where can I view betting lines or player props?
Check out the MLB Odds Page for daily lines, prop bets, and betting analysis.