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Saturday night Orioles game thread: vs. Rangers, 7:05

Starting pitcher Chris Ellis looks to spin some magic tonight against the Rangers at Camden Yards.

By HarrisonRJ
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles
Orioles starter Chris Ellis delivers a pitch against the Yankees at Camden Yards on September 16, 2021.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

The Orioles are two games into this four-game series with the Rangers and it’s knotted up at one apiece. Texas took last night’s game by a score of 8-5, but the silver lining was Cedric Mullins’ ascension to the 30/30 club when he hit his 30th home run. You can read Alex Church’s recap of last night’s action here. Game three will feature a pair of right-handed starting pitchers.

Through five starts with the O’s, right-hander Chris Ellis has a 2.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He’s done that in spite of a 5.54 FIP, and 4.8 BB/9 versus 5.6 SO/9. We’ll have to see how he does tonight against the Rangers.

In three starts at Camden Yards, Ellis is pitching to a 4.26 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. In his most recent start, against the Yankees on September 16, the righty gave up two runs 4.2 innings. Ellis has never pitched against the Rangers, so at least he’ll have the element of surprise.

The opposing pitcher for tonight’s matchup is Jordan Lyles. The big right-hander has a 5.36 ERA in 166.1 innings for Texas this year. That’s incredibly close to his career mark of 5.24.

Lyles has played for six different teams over the course of his 11 year career. In that time, he’s only faced the Orioles twice — including one start — and has allowed six runs (three earned) in six innings.

After a historic game last night, Mullins gets today off. Ryan McKenna is leading off and playing center field. Catcher Nick Ciuffo, selected just two days ago from Triple-A, is behind the plate and batting ninth. This will be his first major league action since 2019 with the Rays.

A look at the Orioles’ transactions today shows Tyler Wells’ move to the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. Spenser Watkins has been recalled in his place.

Orioles lineup

  1. Ryan McKenna CF
  2. Ryan Mountcastle 1B
  3. Austin Hays LF
  4. Anthony Santander RF
  5. Trey Mancini DH
  6. Pat Valaika SS
  7. Jahmai Jones 2B
  8. Kelvin Gutierrez 3B
  9. Nick Ciuffo C

RHP Chris Ellis

Rangers lineup

  1. Willie Calhoun LF
  2. Isiah Kiner-Falefa SS
  3. Adolis García DH
  4. Nathaniel Lowe 1B
  5. Nick Solak 2B
  6. DJ Peters RF
  7. Yonny Hernandez 3B
  8. Leody Taveras CF
  9. Jose Trevino C

RHP Jordan Lyles

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