The Orioles (69-73) host the Boston Red Sox (77-65) in game 3 of a four-game series Saturday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, having dropped four straight as their playoff window narrows.
Shane Baz gave Baltimore every reason to win Friday, throwing 6.1 innings and allowing just one run while striking out six — but that run was all Boston needed in a 1-0 defeat. Blaze Alexander was the lone bright spot at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Josh Walker and Cam Sanders each threw scoreless innings in relief, combining for five strikeouts. The offense, however, managed just one other hit of note from Gunnar Henderson and couldn't solve Boston's pitching all night.
Chris Bassitt (6-4, 4.97 ERA) starts for Baltimore. The Red Sox counter with RHP Sonny Gray (16-4, 2.82 ERA), who is having one of the better individual seasons in the American League. A win for Baltimore would halt the four-game skid and chip away at a deficit that has grown urgent — the Orioles sit three games back of Cleveland (72-70) the final AL wild-card spot with a series to come against the Guardians, and fewer than 20 games remaining.
Probable Starters
Boston Red Sox: RHP Sonny Gray (16-4, 2.82 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Chris Bassitt (6-4, 4.97 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 7:05 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Weather: 81°F, Clear
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)