The Orioles (42-28) return to Great American Ball Park this afternoon, looking for a sweep against the Cincinnati Reds and their first four game in a streak of the season. The Reds, in last place in the National League Central at 41-47 have been similarly uneven this year, including winning only three of their last ten.
Last night in an 8-5 win over Cincinnati, Baltimore got contributions from several corners of the lineup. Pete Alonso went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI, providing the kind of consistent contact the middle of the order needs. Adley Rutschman added a 2-for-5 line with two doubles and two RBI, while Samuel Basallo supplied the big swing — a home run and three RBI on a 1-for-4 night. Blaze Alexander chipped in two RBI as well. On the mound, Brandon Young worked five innings but surrendered four earned runs, leaving the bullpen to manage the margin as Andrew Kittredge, Tyler Wells, and Yennier Cano each threw a scoreless frame to close it out.
That win extended the O's win streak to three. They've won three in a row seven times this season, but not four. Make of that what you will. Inconsistency is one thing, but today offers the Orioles a chance to carry momentum into an off day tomorrow and the final six games before the All-Star break. Getting another length outing from their starter, Kyle Bradish, would go a long way toward keeping the bullpen from being stretched thin again, and the lineup — which showed it can score in bunches when Rutschman, Alonso, and Basallo, et al., are all contributing — will look to stay hot after scoring eight last game.
Probable Starters
Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Bradish
Cincinnati Reds: Nick Lodolo
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 1:05 PM ET at Great American Ball Park
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)