Milwaukee Brewers vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions May 21st 2025

Tomoyuki Sugano, O’s eager to end skid in finale at Milwaukee

The Baltimore Orioles face a critical moment in their season as they gear up for the final game of their three-game series against the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers. After dropping eight straight games, all eyes turn to veteran right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who will take the mound on Wednesday with hopes of salvaging a win.

Sugano’s Big Opportunity to Shine

Sugano, 35, is in his first MLB season after an impressive 12-year career in Japan. So far, he’s shown glimpses of brilliance with a 4-3 record and a 3.08 ERA. He’s consistently pitched deep into games and has allowed three or fewer runs in most of his starts.

However, Sugano’s weakness lies in the long ball—he’s given up nine home runs, contributing to Baltimore’s league-high total of 75 homers allowed.

Still, the Orioles hope Sugano’s steadiness can be the spark they need.

“I think about it every day how to get out of this,” Sugano said postgame last week. “But I just try to work on things day-to-day.”

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Chad Patrick: Brewers’ Rookie Ready for the Challenge

Opposing Sugano will be Milwaukee’s rookie right-hander Chad Patrick, who enters with a 2-4 record and a 3.35 ERA. After a dominant April (1.82 ERA), Patrick has been less sharp in May, posting a 4.37 ERA. Despite recent struggles, Brewers manager Pat Murphy remains confident.

“Chad Patrick continues to show he has the right stuff,” Murphy said, citing the rookie’s poise in high-pressure moments.

Patrick’s stats reflect a mixed bag—opponents are batting .258 against him with four home runs over 48 1/3 innings.

Orioles in Crisis Mode

It’s been a brutal May for the Orioles. They’ve gone 3-14 and have yet to win a game under interim manager Tony Mansolino, who stepped in after Brandon Hyde’s firing.

The team’s biggest issue? Pitching. Baltimore has surrendered a major-league-high 75 home runs, with Tuesday’s game adding three more to the tally. The pitching woes are matched by struggles on offense and inconsistency in the field.

On top of that, right fielder Ramon Laureano exited Tuesday’s game with a left ankle injury. Mansolino described his status as “day-to-day.”

Brewers Are Catching Fire

While the Orioles sink, the Milwaukee Brewers are soaring. Tuesday’s 5-2 win gave them their third straight victory, powered by home runs from Brice Turang, Sal Frelick, and Rhys Hoskins.

The Brewers’ bullpen is also locked in. Abner Uribe struck out the side in the ninth inning for his first save of the season and hasn’t allowed a run in his last 13 appearances, tallying 21 strikeouts in 12 innings.

Veteran slugger Rhys Hoskins is on fire, batting .346 over his past 32 games with 6 home runs and 22 RBIs. Meanwhile, rookie Jackson Chourio finally snapped a 0-for-24 slump with a single in the fifth inning on Tuesday, though his May batting average sits at .176. Check The latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Game Outlook: Orioles Must Respond

For Baltimore, Wednesday’s game is about more than just avoiding a sweep—it’s about shifting momentum. With their veteran on the mound and a new manager at the helm, the Orioles need a win to restore morale.

Sugano’s leadership and experience could be the edge Baltimore needs. But facing a confident Brewers team and a sharp young pitcher in Chad Patrick, the challenge is steep.