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

If you think it’s hard to watch the Orioles right now, imagine having to write about them! Luckily I am a semi-retired blogger lady who just spent a week at the beach so I don’t have it that tough, but think of all the other writers on this site when you have a moment and wish them well in the utterly impossible endeavor of thinking of interesting topics regarding this pathetic baseball team.

As the Orioles look to avoid their fifth straight sweep and 18th straight loss, they turn to John Means. Remember how exciting Means was at the start of the season? Those were the days. But then he got hurt and since he came back from the injured list, he hasn’t been the same. I certainly can’t pinpoint the reason but I can come up with the same theories as everyone. I am hopeful that today will be one of his good days.

Over on offense, the seemingly unstoppable Cedric Mullins has hit a bit of a road bump, hitting just .208/.269/.354 over the past 14 days. But Ryan Mountcastle is on fire and Anthony Santander is finally getting hot. Jorge Mateo was hitless yesterday but has been a pleasant surprise. Even the slumping Trey Mancini has shown signs of life. Is today the day they all get going at the same time?

Orioles lineup

1. Cedric Mullins (L) CF

2. Ryan Mountcastle (R) 1B

3. Trey Mancini (R) DH

4. Anthony Santander (S) RF

5. DJ Stewart (L) LF

6. Ramon Urias (R) 3B

7. Jorge Mateo (R) 2B

8. Austin Wynns (R) C

9. Richie Martin (R) SS

SP: John Means (LHP)

Braves lineup

1. Ozzie Albies (S) 2B

2. Jorge Soler (R) DH

3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B

4. Austin Riley (R) 3B

5. Dansby Swanson (R) SS

6. Adam Duvall (R) LF

7. William Contreras (R) C

8. Guillermo Heredia (R) CF

9. Joc Pederson (L) RF

SP: Touki Toussaint

Let’s go O’s!