The Baltimore Orioles (25-13) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (21-18) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday. The Orioles took Friday’s series opener 6-3. Bryan Baker threw 1.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to get the win, and Felix Bautista struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his ninth save.
Cedric Mullins hit for the cycle, going 4 for 5 with a home run, a triple, and a double in the win. He scored two runs and had three RBIs. Connor Joe was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Roansy Contreras (3-3, 4.74 ERA) is set for the start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed five runs over five innings in his last start, a 10-1 road defeat against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He was charged with the loss, giving up nine hits while striking out four and walking three.
RHP Tyler Wells (2-1, 3.15 ERA) will toe the rubber for Baltimore. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. In his last start on Sunday, Wells took a no-decision on the road against the Braves. He threw five innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out four and walking one in the 3-2 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 2.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.4, while performing worse across the board (.208/.303/.331). Against righties like Wells this season, the Bucs have a .720 OPS.
Bryan Reynolds is the team’s most powerful hitter against right-handers with a .615 slugging percentage in 73 at-bats. Baltimore is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.2 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.209/.310/.344).
The O’s have a .727 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .847 OPS over 85 at-bats, Adley Rutschman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is on a five-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 11-9 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 5.1 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.7 runs. Baltimore has won three in a row at home.
The O’s are 12-5 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. Baltimore is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with an average scoreline of 5.9-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates are second in the NL Central, zero games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Orioles are second in the AL East, four games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Baltimore Orioles (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
