After exploding for six runs in the 11th inning to break a 2-2 tie in the first game against Washington, the O’s once again find themselves with a taxed bullpen. They’ll turn to Bud Norris, making his first start since coming off the 15-day disabled list, to hopefully get them some much-needed innings.
The O’s have opened up a 3.0 game lead in the American League East as the Toronto Blue Jays continue to slide, but even after winning a game started by Stephen Strasburg last night, things don’t get any easier against an extremely talented Nationals rotation.
LINEUPS
Orioles
RF Nick Markakis
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
LF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
SS J.J. Hardy
C Caleb Joseph
2B Jonathan Schoop
P Bud Norris (7-5, 3.62)
Nationals
CF Denard Span
2B Anthony Rendon
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Bryce Harper
SS Ian Desmond
C Jose Lobaton
P Doug Fister (7-2, 2.93)
Current Streak
Orioles Won 3
Nationals Lost 1
Last 10
Orioles 7-3
Nationals 7-3
TIDBITS
Machado had his first career five-hit game Monday night, raising his average to .261. In his first 26 games this year, he posted a .539 OPS, while he’s put up an .858 over his last 31.
Steve Pearce is out of the starting lineup again. He was 0-for-1 in pinch hit duty Monday.
Zimmerman is 4/11 with 2 HR off Norris.
Davis is 3/10 with 2 HR off Fister. Nick Markakis is 8/19 with 1 HR, 2 2B, and 8 RBI. Nelson Cruz is 8/21 with 2 2B and 1 HR. Adam Jones is 5/14.
