After recording their first three-game sweep of 2018 against the Blue Jays, the Orioles will be looking to bank a few more tallies in the win column during their upcoming three-game set in Kansas City.
The Orioles (40-94) can also match a season-high four-game win streak with a win in tonight’s series opener. The last time they managed to do so was with two straight wins against the Royals and the Rays at Camden Yards from May 9th-12th.
The Royals (42-91) will be feeling good after taking two of three against the division-leading Indians and notching a two-game sweep of the Tigers over the past week. They’re 4-1 over the first five games of their current eight-game home stand and own a solid 11-10 record at Kauffman Stadium during the second half of the season.
Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.79 ERA) will take on Brad Keller (6-5, 3.33 ERA) Friday in the opener.
Cashner turned in a solid outing during his last start against the Yankees, but took the loss after allowing three runs on nine hits over seven innings. Over his last four contests, the Orioles righty has posted a 1-2 record and a stout 3.66 ERA through 27 innings of work. He’s also posted four quality starts over his last six attempts.
Keller took the no-decision after allowing two runs over five innings against Cleveland in his last outing, but will be looking for another strong performance against the Orioles. Through five starts in August, the Royals rookie has notched a 2-1 record and an impressive 3.07 ERA over 29 1/3 innings pitched.
Dylan Bundy (7-13, 5.37 ERA) will go up against Heath Fillmyer (2-1, 4.24 ERA) in Thursday’s contest.
Bundy took the loss after allowing four runs over five innings during his latest start against the Yankees, and will try to snap out of his current dip in form against the Royals. Bundy has gone 0-4 with a 9.24 ERA through five starts in August and is 1-6 with an 8.87 ERA over his last nine starts.
Fillmyer earned his second win of the season after holding Cleveland to a single run on three hits over six innings during his last start, and will be aiming for a second straight against the Orioles. Over his last four starts, Fillmyer has gone 2-0 with a 4.71 ERA and he hasn’t lost a start in seven straight contests.
David Hess (3-8, 5.08 ERA) will match-up against Jorge Lopez (0-4, 4.86 ERA) in Friday’s series finale.
Hess put forth yet another strong display by holding the Blue Jays to just four hits over six scoreless innings en route to his third win of the season, and will be aiming for a fifth straight strong performance in Kansas City. Over his last four starts, the Orioles in-form rookie has notched a 1-2 record and a sensational 2.19 ERA through 24 2/3 innings.
Lopez took his third straight loss after allowing five runs over four innings against Cleveland, and will be trying to notch his first win as a Royal in the finale. The 25-year-old was a top prospect in the Brewers system before headlining the trade for Mike Moustakas back in July. Over three starts with Kansas City, the rookie right-hander has gone 0-3 with a 7.90 ERA.
That’s all for now, folks!
Here’s to continuing the streak!
