The Orioles (69-69) carry a four-game winning streak into Tuesday night's contest at Coors Field, where they continue a three-game road series against the Colorado Rockies (52-86).
Baltimore scratched out a 2-1 win in the series opener Monday, bolstered by Colton Cowser's game-saving catch in centerfield and his go-ahead RBI in the seventh, when he legged out a double play ball. Orioles starter Cade Povich delivered five innings of one-run ball while striking out four before a rain delay arrived in the sixth. Samuel Basallo drove in a run with fifth-inning double of the right-center wall, and the O's bullpen finished things off.
The Orioles are doing just about everything on this three-city, nine-game road trip against some below average opponents that they need to do to give themselves a chance at reaching the postseason.
"It's good to get back to .500, gain a little bit in the wild card," Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Monday after the Orioles dramatic win. "We have to come out [Tuesday] and play competitive baseball and give ourselves a chance to win. That's what our guys do. They've been doing it all year. There's been ups and downs, but right now we're in a really good spot and our players are loving where we're at right now."
The Rockies (52-86) have the worst record in the American League and have now dropped five straight and won just two of their last ten, though Coors Field remains a hitter's environment capable of distorting any game in a hurry.
Colorado sends out Gabriel Hughes, who is 0-6 with a 6.61 ERA on the season. Kyle Bradish takes the mound for Baltimore. The Orioles are back at .500 for the first time in months and sit only half a game back of the final AL wild-card spot, meaning a win Tuesday is critical, especially with series ahead against the Red Sox and Guardians, the team that currently holds that final AL postseason berth.
Probable Starters
Colorado Rockies: RHP Gabriel Hughes (0-6, 6.61 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Kyle Bradish (7-12, 4.03 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 8:40 PM ET at Coors Field
Weather: 80°F, Overcast
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)