Orioles-Marlins series preview: Round two of the Miami mini-series

How about that for a weekend series? Baltimore will ride the momentum from a three-game sweep into a two game set against Miami that starts this evening.

The Orioles split a two game mini series against the Marlins back in April, now Baltimore has a chance to claim the season series with a pair of wins against Miami.

The O’s picked up a 7-5 win in the opener. Baltimore scored three runs in the top of the first against Nick Neidert and held on despite being out-hit 11-9. Matt Harvey picked up his first win as an Orioles after tossing five innings and allowing three runs in the contest.

The Marlins took their revenge on the back of seven scoreless innings by Trevor Rogers. The former first-round pick held the Orioles to just four hits, and a pair of Miami relievers finished off the shutout. Bruce Zimmermann took the loss after allowing all three of Miami’s runs in 4.2 innings. Cole Sulser, Dillon Tate and Travis Lakins did not allow a run in relief.

Game 1: Tuesday, 7:05 pm

Spenser Watkins (2-0, 1.65 ERA) vs. Sandy Alcantara (5-9, 3.23 ERA)

Spenser Watkins has recently emerged as the most interesting storyline in Baltimore. The 28-year-old picked up his first win over Toronto on July 6, and picked up his second victory his last time out against Tampa Bay. Watkins limited the Rays to just one run through six innings. He allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked two.

Sandy Alcantara holds a brutal record for a guy with a 3.23 ERA. He holds a 1.153 WHIP and 105/37 K/BB ratio. He lasted just three innings his last time out and took the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) against the Phillies.

Game 2: Wednesday, 7:05 pm

Jorge López (2-12, 5.84 ERA) vs. TBD

The word is out on Orioles’ starter Jorge López. He may look sharp early on, but it’s usually time to pull the plug when the fifth inning rolls around. López knows this, and so does Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde. Both have been candid when speaking about Lopez’s mid-game woes, and the leash appears to have shortened during games.

Baltimore utilized the strategy during Lopez’s last start and it paid off. Hyde yanked López at the first sight of trouble in the fifth, and the Orioles were able to limit the damage. López allowed one run in 4.2 innings, and Baltimore won the game 6-1.

The Marlins had not announced a starter for Wednesday’s game as of Monday afternoon.