The Baltimore Orioles will try to avoid a four-game losing streak as they face the Cleveland Guardians. The Orioles lost to the Houston Astros and dropped the first two games of the series against the Guardians. Friday’s loss was particularly disappointing for Baltimore, as they couldn’t capitalize on their ninth-inning comeback. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the team’s poor pitching performance and emphasized the need to avoid advantage-count mistakes. This losing streak is preventing the Orioles from widening their lead in the American League East, where they currently hold a 1 1/2 game advantage over the Tampa Bay Rays.
On Friday, Anthony Santander had an impressive performance with three hits and three RBIs. He has been a standout player against Cleveland this season, with a total of 10 hits, including four doubles, one triple, and one home run, along with nine RBIs. Gunnar Henderson has also been in great form, with four home runs and 11 RBIs in his last 15 games.
Left-hander John Means will make his third start of the season for the Orioles on Saturday. Means has been solid since returning from Tommy John surgery, delivering two five-inning outings. Despite a loss against the St. Louis Cardinals, he bounced back with a no-decision against the Houston Astros, allowing only one run on four hits. Means acknowledged that his breaking ball still needs improvement but commended his changeup.
In his career, Means has a 1-2 record with a 4.22 ERA in three starts against Cleveland. The Guardians, on the other hand, extended their home winning streak to six games with a late rally on Friday. However, their hopes for the postseason were dashed after the Minnesota Twins defeated the Los Angeles Angels. Cleveland manager Terry Francona praised his team’s resilience and their commitment to playing hard despite their disappointing record.
The Guardians will start right-hander Cal Quantrill on Saturday. Quantrill has performed well since returning from a shoulder injury, boasting a 1-0 record and a 1.90 ERA in four starts this month. However, he struggled in his previous outing against the Orioles, giving up eight runs in 4 1/3 innings. In his career, Quantrill has a 1-2 record with an 8.82 ERA in five appearances against Baltimore.
Cleveland’s Andres Gimenez is currently on a six-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in 17 of his last 20 games. The game between the Orioles and the Guardians promises to be an exciting matchup.
–Field Level Media
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