Orioles Friday night game thread: at Red Sox, 7:10

The Orioles will kick off their last series of the year tonight in Boston at 7:10. The end of a season is always bitter sweet, but reaching the finish line doesn’t feel quite as bitter this year. Baltimore failed to make the playoffs, but so did the Red Sox. So at least there’s that.

Jonathan Villar will lead off and play shortstop, while Hanser Alberto takes second base. Both have been fun to watch this season, and both could be on the trading block this winter, but that’s a topic for another time.

Trey Mancini will handle first base, and Renato Núñez will serve as the designated hitter. Dwight Smith Jr., Austin Hays and DJ Stewart will make up the outfield from left-to-right. Rio Ruiz will handle the hot corner, and Chance Sisco will catch Asher Wojciechowski. Anthony Santander and Chris Davis will both start the evening on the bench.

Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi has struggled this year in an injury shortened season. Both teams should have plenty of at bats against the bullpens tonight, and neither club’s ‘pen has fared particularly well this year.

It’s a two-TV type of night with Maryland hosting Penn State under the lights. I probably shouldn’t tell you all which of those two schools I attended. Well, I guess I just did. Go State. Go O’s.

For the Orioles:

1. Jonathan Villar SS
2. Austin Hays CF
3. Trey Mancini 1B
4. Dwight Smith Jr. LF
5. Renato Núñez DH
6. Rio Ruiz 3B
7. Hanser Alberto 2B
8. DJ Stewart RF
9. Chance Sisco C

Starter: RHP Asher Wojciechowski