Orioles-Astros series preview: This is it

The Orioles season will come to a close on Sunday evening in Baltimore. The Orioles will play four games against the Astros, and then they’ll begin to put this historically bad season behind them.

There’s been plenty of reflection on this year already, so we’ll skip that here. The Orioles have a chance to send the home fans happy a few more times before the offseason hibernation.

These games could be the last that Adam Jones plays in an Oriole uniform. Nothing has been determined yet, but expect a loud ovation for Jones on Sunday. There’s no way of knowing what players could be traded this offseason, or if anyone else will be playing their last game in black and orange.

The defending World Series champions have clinched the AL West once again, and won their 100th game Tuesday night. You may think the Astros will try to coast through these final games before the playoffs, but facing Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole will not be an easy task for the Orioles. Some of the pitching matchups have not been announced yet. Any updates to the probable pitchers can be found here.

Game One: Thursday, 7:05

RHP Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.92) vs. RHP David Hess (3-10, 5.14)

Gerrit Cole has had a dominant year for Houston after being shipped over from the Pirates. His sub-three ERA and 272 strikeouts have been a pleasant surprise for the Astros. Cole is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA over his last three starts. He struck out 29 batters over those three games.

David Hess will wrap up his rookie year with a start on Thursday. After a few impressive starts to begin the season, Hess has dealt with a lot of growing pains. Hess has allowed three runs or fewer in his last three starts, but he did not work past the fifth inning in any of those games. He struck out seven batters against the White Sox September 16, but did not receive a decision after working only 4.1 innings. This will be Hess’s last chance to show the Orioles he should be in the rotation again next year.

Game Two: Friday, 7:05

RHP Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.70) vs. TBD

The Orioles have not announced a game two starter as of Wednesday evening, but we know whoever they go with will not be in the Cy Young conversation. Verlander, on the other hand, is back among the top pitchers in the game. He’ll have an opportunity to pick up his 17th victory of the year and add to his 280 strikeouts on the season.

Simply put, the Orioles are running out of pitchers. They’ve called up John Means, and started guys like Jimmy Yacabonis and Yefry Ramirez. With Gausman gone and Cobb injured, the Orioles are limping across the finish line.

Game Three: Saturday, 7:05

TBD vs. TBD

Game Four: Sunday, 3:05.

TBD vs. TBD