Sunday afternoon Orioles game thread: vs. Athletics, 1:05

The Oakland Athletics these days can’t lose. The Baltimore Orioles these days - at least at home - can’t win.

That’s going to have to change at some point, right? Right!?

Well, maybe not, but the Orioles have their best shot this series of bringing their fans a victory, something they’ve only seen in person once all year. John Means is on the mound, and he’s been the ace. He’s been the stopper. All those terms. He’s been good, and the O’s need some help.

Means is 1-0 with a 1.52 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the majors. He has a 0.930 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts in 23.2 innings.

Still, even he hasn’t been immune to the Camden Yards Effect. He’s allowed one earned run in 18.2 road innings. He’s allowed three in five at home. Maybe the Orioles can get a field assembled at M&T Bank Stadium for a change in scenery.

Still, for the Orioles to beat the A’s, winners of 13 straight, it’s up to the lineup to get the bats going. Baltimore has three runs over its last three games, but it gets a pitcher in Jesus Luzardo who’s looked vulnerable this season. He’s 1-1 with a 5.89 ERA, but he’s coming off his best start of the season with 5.1 two-hit, shutout innings in a 1-0 win over Minnesota.

Athletics lineup

1. Mark Canha LF

2. Jed Lowrie DH

3. Matt Olson 1B

4. Ramon Laureano CF

5. Matt Chapman 3B

6. Stephen Piscotty RF

7. Elvis Andrus SS

8. Aramis Garcia C

9. Vimael Machin 2B

LHP Jesus Luzardo

Orioles lineup

1. Cedric Mullins CF

2. Trey Mancini DH

3. Maikel Franco 3B

4. Pedro Severino C

5. Ryan Mountcastle 1B

6. Austin Hays LF

7. Freddy Galvis SS

8. Ramon Urias 2B

9. Ryan McKenna RF

LHP John Means