The Orioles (72-78) arrive at Citi Field on Monday having dropped two straight, opening a 3-game road series against the New York Mets (69-80).
Baltimore's 8-1 loss to Toronto on Sunday was a collective breakdown. Trevor Rogers gave up four earned runs over six innings, striking out five but unable to keep the Blue Jays in check, and Yaramil Hiraldo added four more in 1.2 frames of relief. The offense provided almost nothing to work with — Dylan Beavers went 2-for-4 with a double, but Gunnar Henderson managed just one hit in two at-bats and Leody Taveras and Coby Mayo each went 1-for-4. Notably, Pete Alonso — facing his former club — went 3-for-5 with an RBI, one of the few individual bright spots in the lineup.
The Mets have won seven of their last ten, presenting a stiffened challenge regardless of where they stand in the division. Jonah Tong, a right-hander with a 2-1 record and 4.80 ERA, draws the start for New York. Brandon Young (9-4, 3.71 ERA) counters for Baltimore. At 4.0 games back of the final AL wild-card spot with fewer than two weeks of games remaining, the Orioles have very little margin — dropping this series opener would make an already steep climb steeper.
Probable Starters
New York Mets: RHP Jonah Tong (2-1, 4.80 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Brandon Young (9-4, 3.71 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 7:10 PM ET at Citi Field
Weather: 73°F, Clear
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)