Orioles vs. Indians series preview: A weekend in Cleveland

After a double-digit loss to one of the only teams they’ve had success against, the Orioles will try their hand against the first-place Indians. This may not sound like a great idea, but neither does starting David Hess in a major league baseball game. Still, the Orioles have to play the games on their schedule, and that includes a stop in Cleveland.

The Orioles enter the series having lost five of their last six. They dropped four games in three days to the Red Sox, and split a two-game series with the Mets. Baltimore somehow managed to surrender 16 runs to the Mets on Wednesday. Cleveland has won five straight games. The Indians have yet to play a team above .500 in the month of August, so they should be prepared for the Orioles. Both teams were off on Thursday.

Game 1

David Hess (2-6, 6.25) vs. Carlos Carrasco (14-6, 3.50)

Hess got off to a strong start in his rookie season, but took a turn for the worse in the middle of June. After three consecutive starts allowing five earned runs, he allowed six against the Angels on June 29. Hess made a few relief appearances in July before getting another start at the beginning of the month. In two August starts, he’s allowed eight earned runs in nine innings.

Carrasco has impressed this year, and will likely give Baltimore some trouble. He started in Baltimore April 23 and held the Orioles to one run in 7.1 innings pitched. Carrasco allowed six hits and struck out seven batters in the victory. He’s won six of his last seven decisions, and has not allowed more than three runs in a game since June 16th.

Game 2

Alex Cobb (3-15, 5.31) vs. Adam Plutko (4-2, 4.75)

If you haven’t been following as closely, you may have missed Alex Cobb’s resurgence. You certainly can’t tell from his ERA, but he’s quietly been the Orioles best pitcher. He’ll look to continue his strong second half in his first start against Cleveland this season. You can read more about Cobb’s 2.17 ERA in his last six starts here.

The Indians recalled Adam Plutko to take the place of injured starter Trevor Bauer. Plutko won his first three starts of the season in May, but only won one game in June before eventually being sent down. He has not started since June 30, and made two relief appearances in July.

Game 3

TBD vs. Mike Clevinger (8-7, 3.38)

All three Cleveland pitchers in the series sport winning records. I guess that shouldn’t be surprising on a first place club. Clevinger pitched a complete game shutout against Baltimore on April 21. He allowed only two hits, walked two hitters, and struck out three in the 4-0 victory.

The Orioles are expected to add a bullpen arm after sending down Evan Phillips. Phillips allowed four runs on two hits and two walks without recording an out Wednesday night. The Orioles could send out Yefry Ramirez, or decide to give someone else a shot.

Could the Orioles give the Indians some fits, or will they leave Cleveland a little closer to the number one draft pick in 2019? Let us know below!