Orioles Look to End Losing Streak in Series Opener Against White Sox

The Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox are both hungry for a win as they kick off a four-game series on Thursday night in Chicago. The Orioles are trying to snap their first three-game losing streak of the season, while the White Sox have lost five of their last six games. Both teams are eager for a turnaround, setting the stage for an exciting clash.

Orioles’ Recent Performance

The Orioles hit their first major bump this season, dropping three straight games to the St. Louis Cardinals. This marks their first series sweep since May 2022. Manager Brandon Hyde pointed out the team’s lackluster play, stressing the need to regroup and perform better in Chicago.

Hyde’s Perspective: “We didn’t catch many breaks and didn’t play our best baseball these last three games. We need to flush this series and focus on playing better in Chicago.”

White Sox’s Current Struggles

The White Sox are also in a rough patch, losing five of their last six games. Their latest defeat was a 9-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting issues with their pitching staff, which has allowed six or more runs in four of those losses.

Manager Pedro Grifol’s Take: “We must learn from these recent struggles and avoid repeating the same mistakes.”

Key Player Highlights

Zach DeLoach: The 25-year-old right fielder debuted for the White Sox, going 0-for-3 with a walk. Despite not getting a hit, DeLoach was thrilled to finally make it to the majors.

DeLoach’s Reflection: “I’ve worked my whole life for this. It’s exciting to see it paying off.”

Grayson Rodriguez: The Orioles’ right-hander, boasting a 4-1 record and a 3.15 ERA, will start on Thursday. Rodriguez recently came off the injured list, pitching six strong innings against the Seattle Mariners and allowing just one hit.

Pitching Matchup

Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles): Rodriguez is looking to build on his recent success after a stellar six-inning performance against the Mariners. Last season, he faced the White Sox twice with mixed results, giving up four runs in five innings in one game but rebounding with a six-inning shutout in another.

Mike Clevinger (White Sox): Clevinger, who has a 0-2 record and a 5.56 ERA, is making his fourth start of the year. His last two starts saw him pitch 4 2/3 innings each, giving up home runs but striking out five batters in both games. Historically, Clevinger has done well against the Orioles, holding a 4-1 record and a 3.11 ERA over seven starts.

Teams’ Outlook and Strategy

Orioles’ Focus: Outfielder Austin Hays emphasized the need to return to their successful playstyle from the past two years.

Hays’ Insight: “We need to keep playing the baseball we’ve played the last two years. That’s what we have to do.”

White Sox’s Game Plan: Manager Pedro Grifol is focused on learning from past mistakes and ensuring the team does not repeat them.

Conclusion

The series opener between the Orioles and White Sox is shaping up to be a critical game for both teams as they strive to end their losing streaks. With standout pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez and Mike Clevinger on the mound, fans can expect a high-stakes and possibly season-defining showdown. Both teams are determined to bounce back, making this series a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts.