Thursday night Orioles game thread: vs. Blue Jays, 7:05

Join me in giving a warm welcome back to Baltimore for our conquering heroes.

Yes, I’m referring to the Orioles, who currently hold a 36-71 record and are 31.5 games out of first place. But in July, they achieved something we haven’t seen around these parts for a long time: they finished with a .500 record. Their 12-12 mark was the Birds’ first non-losing month since August 2017. They also pulled off a winning West Coast swing at 5-4, more than surviving their longest road trip of the season.

The O’s were so inspired by the success, they kept the whole roster intact at the trade deadline. They’re going for a postseason run, folks!!

OK, maybe not. But the Birds do seem like they’ve found a groove. And now they return to Camden Yards for a 10-game homestand, starting with four against the Blue Jays, whom they’ve beaten in five of nine contests this year. Can the O’s keep the good vibes rolling — at least until the Yankees and Astros swing into town next?

Orioles lineup:

SS Jonathan Villar
RF Trey Mancini
LF Anthony Santander
DH Renato Nunez
3B Jace Peterson
C Chance Sisco
2B Hanser Alberto
1B Chris Davis
CF Stevie Wilkerson

RHP Asher Wojciechowski