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Saturday night Orioles game thread: vs. Nationals, 7:35

The Orioles look to put a blowout loss behind them and start another winning streak tonight against the Nationals.

Washington Nationals v Baltimore Orioles Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images

This is an absolutely ridiculous statement, but I’m going to share it with you all anyway. Prior to last night’s 15-3 shellacking, part of me had forgotten what it felt like when the Orioles lose.

Sure, a six-game winning streak isn’t one for the record books, but Baltimore has played quality ball night in and night out. Outside of that odd four-game sweep by Miami, the Birds had won their last nine games.

Things fell apart in a hurry last night, but the O’s can bounce back this evening. Asher Wojciechowski is back on schedule after tossing 3.2 innings on just three days rest last Sunday. The righty has yet to pick up a victory, but boasts a 3.95 ERA and 1.171 WHIP in three starts.

Andrew Velazquez will get the start in center field after Austin Hays was sent to the IL with a “non-displaced rib fracture.” O’s skipper Brandon Hyde said the injury occurred when Hays was hit by a pitch in the Marlins series, but the original x-ray did not show a break. MASN’s Roch Kubatko tweeted that the Orioles expect Hays’ stay on the IL to last only the required 10 days.

Baltimore recalled Cedric Mullins for additional outfield depth, but he’s not in the starting lineup. Velazquez, traditionally an infielder, will make his first start in center field. Pat Valaika, who has yet to play the outfield this season, will start in left.

O’s backstop turned pitcher Bryan Holaday will serve as the designated hitter, while Pedro Severino starts behind the plate. Can the pair continue the hot-hitting trend by Orioles catchers this year?

Renato Núñez will start at first, while José Iglesias takes short. Chris Davis is not in the lineup.

The Orioles will face Nats starter Patrick Corbin (2-0, 2.50 ERA). Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million contract in December 2018.

Can the Orioles start another winning streak? Let’s find out together.

For the Orioles

  1. Hanser Alberto 2B
  2. Anthony Santander RF
  3. José Iglesias SS
  4. Renato Núñez 1B
  5. Pedro Severino C
  6. Pat Valaika LF
  7. Rio Ruiz 3B
  8. Bryan Holaday DH
  9. Andrew Velazquez CF

Starter: RHP Asher Wojciechowski