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Series Preview: Orioles (34-34) vs. Indians (36-31)

Edwin Encarnacion of the Indians holds his bat.
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After picking up two much-needed, morale-boosting victories versus the Cardinals over the weekend, the Orioles will now look to continue turning their season around by keeping the ball rolling over a four-game set versus Cleveland.

For the Orioles, protecting their own house has become even more crucial to their playoff hopes since they can’t find any momentum on the road. And now they have to do so against the reigning American League Champions.

The Orioles (34-34) find themselves just 4.5-games out of first place after the Yankees’ struggles over the past week and remain right in the thick of the wild card chase as the All-Star Break draws near. The Orioles upped their home record to a stellar 23-11 after last weekend’s fireworks, but they will be looking to improve upon a dismal 5-11 record versus the AL Central and own just a 7-10 record thus far in June.

The Indians (36-31) have taken control of first place in the AL Central thanks to a current-five game winning streak and now boast a two-game lead over the Twins in the chase for the division title. To make matters worse for the Orioles, the Indians currently own the AL’s third-best road record with an impressive 21-14 record away from Progressive Field.

Since 2015, the Orioles have owned the Indians, going 5-1 against them in back-to-back seasons.

Will the O’s continue their dominance over the current pennant holders, or will the Tribe knock the Orioles season back off-course?

We’re about to find out. Let’s take a look at the starters.

 

Game One

Dylan Bundy (7-5, 3.29 ERA) will get the nod versus Indians star ace Corey Kluber (5-2, 4.15 ERA) in the series opener on Monday.

After allowing four runs on six hits over five innings during his last outing, Bundy now owns a 5.06 ERA over his last three outings. That span that has seen his ERA jump from 2.89 to 3.29. He’ll look to get back to his dominant ways at Camden Yards, where he is 4-2 with a sensational 2.38 ERA over seven contests.

After holding a potent Dodgers line-up to just two runs on four hits over seven innings during his last start, Kluber is a clean 2-0 over his last three outings with a superb 2.37 ERA. Over five career starts versus Baltimore, Kluber has gone 1-1 with a 3.51 ERA.

 

Game Two

Chris Tillman (1-5, 8.07 ERA) will take the hill against Josh Tomlin (4-8, 5.83 ERA) on Tuesday.

After getting drilled in the Windy City to the tune of five runs on eleven hits over 5 1/3 innings in his last start, Tillman has now recorded a woeful 12.08 ERA over his last three starts and has gone 0-5 with a horrid 11.51 ERA over his last five outings.

Tomlin has also been off-key for the Tribe this season. He’s gone 1-2 this month and owns a 6.00 ERA over three outings. Usually sturdy and reliable, Tomlin has allowed three runs or more in ten of his thirteen starts to date in 2017. Over six career starts versus the Birds, he’s 3-3 with a 5.19 ERA.

 

Game Three

Kevin Gausman (3-6, 6.60 ERA) will take the mound versus Carlos Carrasco (7-3 3.21 ERA) on Wednesday.

Due to allowing five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings during his last outing versus St. Louis, Gausman has now allowed twelve runs on seventeen hits over just nine innings in his last two starts combined. To enhance the frustration, Gausman had a 3.65 ERA in his four starts prior. Who knows what the Orioles will get from him this season going forward?

Carrasco picked up his second straight win after holding the Twins to just one run on four hits over 6 1/3 innings in his latest start. He’s also been terrific on the road this season for the Tribe, going 5-1 with a stellar 2.89 ERA over seven starts away from Progressive Field. In three career starts versus Baltimore, he’s 1-2 with a 3.79 ERA.

 

Game Four

Wade Miley (3-4, 4.29 ERA) will take on Mike Clevinger (2-3, 3.89 ERA) in the series finale on Thursday.

After getting tagged for five runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings in his last start versus the Cardinals, Miley has now gone 1-1 with a horrifying 12.66 ERA over his last three outings. That major drop-off in form has resulted in the Orioles southpaw’s ERA jumping from 2.82 to 4.29.

Clevinger’s last start was cut short by the weather, but he still looked good, allowing just one run on two hits over four innings against the dangerous Twins. Clevinger has also been stout on the road this season with a 2-1 record and a stellar 2.61 ERA over four starts.

 

That’s all I’ve got for now, Birdland!

Now get out to the Yard, and enjoy the series!!!

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