The Orioles (41-48) are back at Great American Ball Park on Saturday for a July Fourth matchup with the Cincinnati Reds (40-47), looking to build on some recent positive signs after winning two in a row, following a four-game losing skid. The club has been searching for consistency on both sides of the ball,
The most recent game gave Baltimore something to point to. Samuel Basallo provided the offensive punch, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI to account for the bulk of the scoring in a 3-0 shutout. On the mound, Trevor Rogers set the tone by working five innings without allowing a run while striking out four, and the bullpen kept pace — Tyler Wells, Yennier Cano, and Rico Garcia each contributed scoreless work, with Wells finishing off the ninth and Garcia tossing two innings. It was the kind of complete, disciplined performance Baltimore has been capable of but hasn't always been able to sustain.
The question heading into tonight is whether the Orioles can carry the momentum into a second straight game against the same opponent. They'll have a reasonable chance against the National League Central last-place Reds. Shutout victories can be momentum builders or one-night anomalies, and the O's are still looking to find their footing. Another strong outing tonight would go toward establishing that last game was less of an outlier and more of a sign of where this club can go.
The Reds' starter, Hunter Greene, who is making his season debut. The former All-Star had surgery in March to remove bone chips from his right elbow.
Side note: As far as naming rights of stadiums and the July Fourth holiday goes, there might be no more appropriate place for an Independence Day (250 edition) baseball game than Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Probable Starters
Baltimore Orioles: Brandon Young (6-2, 3.11 ERA)
Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 7:10 PM ET at Great American Ball Park
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)