Saturday afternoon Orioles game thread: at Yankees, 1:05

Is it easier for a team to put a pair of bad losses behind them if the two occur on the same day? After yesterday, the Orioles certainly hope so. The O’s began Friday with an opportunity to pass New York in the standings. Now they need a win just to stay within reach of the playoffs.

It’s odd that this team is playing meaningful games in September. Have you found yourself a little more invested than you originally anticipated this year? I know I have. With the Orioles upcoming schedule, these next two against the Yankees carry some extra weight.

Dean Kremer will take the mound for Baltimore after an impressive debut last weekend. Kremer held the Yankees to just one run over six innings in a 5-1 victory last Sunday. Now that the Yankees have seen the rookie, will they have a better approach at the plate? Dean and I sure hope not.

Pedro Severino will serve as the clean up hitter and battery mate to Kremer. Renato Núñez is back at first base and Rio Ruiz will handle the hot corner. Hanser Alberto will lead off and play second base.

José Iglesias will bat second in the DH role, while Pat Valaika plays short. Brandon Hyde moved DJ Stewart down to the six hole, while Ryan Mountcastle hits third. Cedric Mullins will play center and bat ninth. Will he bunt for a base hit today?

The Birds will face starter Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 5.72 ERA). The lefty makes significantly less money than Gerrit Cole or Masahiro Tanaka, so at least there’s that.

For the Orioles:

1. Hanser Alberto 2B
2. José Iglesias DH
3. Ryan Mountcastle LF
4. Pedro Severino C
5. Renato Núñez 1B
6. DJ Stewart RF
7. Pat Valaika SS
8. Rio Ruiz 3B
9. Cedric Mullins CF

RHP: Dean Kremer