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Tonight will be the first of a three-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia, where the Orioles will take on a star-studded lineup and a rising pitching staff. The Phils had to pause their season last month when the Marlins COVID-19 outbreak hit and so their record is 5-6 at the start of play today.
The Orioles will send Alex Cobb — who carries a 2.51 ERA into this game— to the mound for his fourth start of the season. His pitch totals over his first three games have been 78, 87 and 86, while Cobb has not allowed more than two runs in any of his starts this season. One factor affecting his pitch count recently has been the free pass, seeing as he’s surrendered three walks in each of his last two starts.
Cobb will be opposed by Zack Wheeler, who has a 2.08 ERA just two starts into this Phillies career. Against the Marlins, he allowed one run over seven innings and against the Yankees, he allowed three runs (two earned) over six innings. Wheeler has thrown exactly 87 pitches in both of his starts.
In other news, the Orioles placed John Means — who was put on the bereavement list back on August 5 — on the 10-day IL.
Orioles lineup
- Hanser Alberto 2B
- Anthony Santander RF
- Renato Nunez DH
- Rio Ruiz 3B
- Pedro Severino C
- Dwight Smith Jr. LF
- Austin Hays CF
- Chris Davis 1B
- Pat Valaika SS
Alex Cobb RHP