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These last few games have been tough to watch. While the Orioles offense has showed signs of life, the starting pitching has failed to provide the team a chance to win.
Baltimore is in need of a stopper, and they’re sending out the closest thing they have to it. Dylan Bundy has pitched well at times this season, but he’s been done in by the long ball. The Orioles could really use a quality start tonight, and Bundy will have to avoid giving up round-trippers for that to happen.
The Rangers will counter with Mike Minor (7-6, 4.73). The Orioles got the best of Minor on July 15, but the lefty has pitched well in his two starts since the All-Star break. If tonight goes anything like the last two, the Orioles must get to Minor early and often.
Jonathan Villar has impressed during his brief stint in Baltimore. He’ll bat lead off and play second base. Caleb Joseph will do the catching this evening and round out the order.
The Orioles can still manage a split in the four game series, but they’ll need to turn things around quickly. Can they do it? We’re about to find out.
Orioles lineup:
1. 2B Jonathan Villar (S)
2. SS Tim Beckham (R)
3. CF Adam Jones (R)
4. RF Danny Valencia (R)
5. DH Mark Trumbo (R)
6. 1B Trey Mancini (R)
7. 3B Renato Nunez (R)
8. LF Joey Rickard (R)
9. C Caleb Joseph (R)