Game Preview: Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox
After a rainout on Thursday, the Boston Red Sox will host the Baltimore Orioles in a day-night split doubleheader on Friday to kick off their four-game series. Both teams are looking to find consistency as the season progresses. For more on upcoming games and odds, check out the MLB Scores and Odds.
Baltimore Orioles Team Update
The Orioles recently snapped an eight-game losing streak with an 8-4, 11-inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, marking interim manager Tony Mansolino’s first win. Mansolino emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “This whole thing isn’t about me. We win the game and everybody is congratulating me for the first win — but I don’t really feel that way about it. It’s more for the players and the organization. The players have been through a lot here. We lost eight in a row and we obviously had the change in the organization.” Adley Rutschman’s three-run home run and Ryan O’Hearn’s four-hit performance were key in securing the much-needed win. Rutschman, celebrating the third anniversary of his major league debut, highlighted the team’s character in the face of adversity. “You’re always going to get adversity over the course of a season, but you never know in what form it’s going to come or when. But we have a great group in this locker room and a lot of guys with high character and there’s no other group I’d rather be around.” You can find more information about the MLB Teams and their performance throughout the season.
Orioles Pitching Matchups
Baltimore is expected to start left-hander Cade Povich (1−3, 5.23 ERA) in Game 1. Povich delivered a strong outing on May 16 against the Washington Nationals, pitching 532 innings of two-run ball with nine strikeouts. He holds a 0−2 record with a 5.28 ERA in three career starts against Boston, with his last encounter on March 31 resulting in a no-decision after allowing three runs in 431 innings. The Orioles have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the nightcap. For expert insights on these matchups, consider our MLB Expert Picks.
Boston Red Sox Team Update
The Red Sox have secured only three wins in their last nine games, with two coming from their recently concluded series against the New York Mets. However, their struggles were evident in a 5−1 loss on Wednesday, where they struck out a season-high 16 times and scored just one run for the ninth time this year. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been adjusting his lineup, seeking the right combination. “We’ve been (making moves in the lineup) throughout the month, moving guys around, trying to find the perfect match. We’re going to continue to do that.” First baseman Nick Sogard has been a bright spot, collecting multiple hits in three of his last six contests. To get an edge on your wagers, check out our MLB Betting Picks.
Red Sox Pitching Matchups
Starting pitching has been a challenge for Boston. Brayan Bello (2−1, 4.02 ERA), scheduled to start the opener, has not completed five innings in any of his last three starts, including a season-high seven runs allowed in 431 innings against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. His command has also been an issue, with 12 walks in his last three outings. Bello acknowledged, “My changeup is my second-best pitch, and I haven’t been able to locate it. For me, that’s a big issue. That’s the pitch I use for strikeouts and for hitters to chase.” Lucas Giolito (1−1, 7.08 ERA) is slated for the nightcap. In his last start on Saturday against Atlanta, he lasted just four frames, surrendering six runs on eight hits, including three home runs. Cora emphasized the need for improvement from the rotation: “They need to step up. That’s the bottom line. We have to step up as a rotation. It’s not only Garrett (Crochet). It’s everybody. We have to do a better job as a group.” Bello holds a 4−2 record with a 3.66 ERA in six career starts against Baltimore, while Giolito, on a three-start win streak, is 3−2 with a 5.19 ERA in five lifetime starts versus the Orioles. For in-depth strategies and tips, refer to our MLB Expert Betting Guide.
Find more insights and analysis with our MLB Predictions. Sources