It’s been a tough week in Birdland. After beginning the week with two heartbreaking losses in Denver, the Orioles have been thoroughly outplayed in three straight losses to the Red Sox.
Pitching hasn’t been the problem for the O’s. During their current five game losing streak, Baltimore has three quality starts and none of their starters have allowed more than three runs.
Offensively, the Orioles have been a disaster. Over the last fives, Baltimore is averaging just 2.4 runs/game. The O’s haven’t scored any runs since Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-run homer in the 9th inning of Thursday’s Game 1 vs. the Red Sox. Friday and Saturday’s shutout losses was only the second time all season the O’s were shutout in back-to-back games.
The Orioles’ playoff chances are on life support, and if they want to stop them from flatlining, they’ll have to score some runs against stingy southpaw Payton Tolle. The rookie left-hander has faced the Orioles twice this season, both times in Fenway Park.
His first matchup with Baltimore back in June saw him toss 6 shutout innings while punching out five. A month later, the Orioles tagged Tolle for 4 runs, though he struck out 9 in a game Boston won 6-5.
Much like Brandon Young for the Orioles, Tolle pitching has meant wins for Boston. The Red Sox are 9-1 in the left-hander’s last 10 outings.
The Orioles will turn to right-handler Kyle Bradish as they look to end they five-game skid. Bradish has faced Boston twice this year, guiding the O’s to a win in Boston in July, but taking the L against the Red Sox back in April. His last six starts have been a bit rocky for the Orioles’ former ace, putting up a 5.10 over 30 innings.
orioles lineup
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Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Red Sox lineup
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