Thursday night Orioles game thread: vs. Rays, 7:05

The Kansas City Royals were a welcome respite from the top teams in the American League East. Now the Orioles head into the breach once again.

This time, it’s the Rays who are in town, and the Orioles, who took the last two games of their series with Kansas City, look to start the series on a good note tonight.

It won’t be easy, as the Rays send one of their best to the mound in Ryan Yarbrough, who’s 11-3 with a 3.34 ERA. The 27-year-old has done it while starting sporadically, as he’s only made seven starts, but he’s been at his best in that role. He has a 2.76 ERA when starting the game, and he’s been particularly good on the road, going 9-1 with a 2.22 ERA away from Tropicana Field.

He’s pitched in two games against the Orioles, both in relief, and is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 9.1 innings.

Going for the Orioles will be Asher Wojciechowski, who is 2-6 with a 4.78 ERA. His last start, Saturday against Boston, was shaky as he allowed only two runs in 4.1 innings, but walked three and allowed five hits. He’s been rough throughout August, going 0-3 with a 6.63 ERA in four starts.

The lineup is exactly the same as yesterday’s. Hey, if it ain’t broke, right?

Orioles lineup

Hanser Alberto 3B

Trey Mancini 1B

Anthony Santander LF

Renato Nunez DH

Jonathan Villar 2B

Pedro Severino C

DJ Stewart RF

Stevie Wilkerson CF

Richie Martin SS

• Asher Wojciechowski RHP

Rays lineup

Eric Sogard 2B

Austin Meadows RF

Tommy Pham LF

Ji-Man Choi 1B

Travis d’Arnaud C

Kevin Kiermaier CF

Jesus Aguilar DH

Matt Duffy 3B

Willy Adames SS

• Ryan Yarbrough LHP