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The Orioles have the chance to capture the series win today against the Nats after splitting their first two games on Friday and Saturday. But the Birds will have to face one of the best pitchers in the league to do it.
The Nationals will send Max Scherzer to the mound, who is putting up his customary elite numbers so far in 2020 with a 2.75 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19.2 innings. Chris Davis, who is out of the lineup for a second straight game, is hitting .200 in 15 career at-bats against Scherzer. Hitting third today, Rio Ruiz is 1-for-10 versus Scherzer but his lone hit was a home run.
After being placed on the bereavement list August 5th and spending the past five days on the injured list in accordance with COVID-19 re-intake protocols, John Means gets the call today for the O’s. Despite having added a few mph to his fastball this year, Means struggled in his first start, allowing five runs in 2.1 innings. But his second start was more in-character, albeit short, with one run allowed in 4.2 innings and four strikeouts.
Orioles lineup
- Hanser Alberto 2B
- Anthony Santander RF
- Rio Ruiz 3B
- Renato Nunez 1B
- Chance Sisco C
- Pedro Severino DH
- Dwight Smith Jr. LF
- Pat Valaika SS
- Cedric Mullins CF
John Means LHP