After getting swept by the Mariners for the first time in a four-game series, the Orioles will conclude their home stand by hosting the Angels for a three-game set over the weekend.
The Orioles (23-57) are trying to snap another five-game losing streak in tonight’s series opener. It’s the seventh time they’ve lost five in a row during the first half of 2018. With a 6-18 record during the month of June, the O’s will also be looking to avoid their second 20-loss month.
The Angels (41-41) come into town on a six-game losing streak after getting swept by the Red Sox at Fenway. As a result, Los Angeles will be looking to get their season back on track after hitting a lengthy rough patch. They’ve gone just 4-13 over their last 17 ball games and find themselves 10 games out of the wild card picture.
David Hess (2-4, 5.44 ERA) will take on Felix Pena (0-0, 5.40 ERA) in tonight’s series opener.
Hess took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits over just four innings in his last start against the Braves, and he will be looking to find his rhythm against the Halos. He’s allowed 15 runs over his last 12 innings pitched and owns an 8.00 ERA through four starts in June.
Pena did not get a decision in his last start against Toronto after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings. The former Cubs prospect will be looking for his first win of the season in just his third start on the year against the Orioles. Pena was thrust into the rotation after Garrett Richards went on the DL with a hamstring injury.
Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.70 ERA) will match-up against Tyler Skaggs (6-5, 2.69 ERA) on Saturday.
Cashner pitched well enough to win yet again after allowing three runs on four hits over six innings against the Mariners, but took the no-decision in the Orioles eventual loss. Cashner owns an impressive 3.68 ERA over 22 innings combined through his four starts in June, but doesn’t have a win to show for it.
Skaggs took a tough-luck loss during his last outing in Kansas City after allowing just a single run over seven innings, but will look to stay in red-hot form at Camden Yards. Over his last seven starts, he’s gone 3-3 with an outstanding 2.30 ERA over 43 innings. Through four starts in June, he’s went 3-1 with a microscopic 0.67 ERA over 27 innings combined.
Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.20 ERA) will go up against Deck McGuire (0-0, 6.08 ERA) in Sunday’s series finale.
Gausman took the no-decision despite allowing just one run over six innings in his last start against the Mariners, and has been steadily returning to form. He’s posted a sparkling 2.96 ERA over 24 1/3 innings combined during his last four outings, but doesn’t have a win to show for all of his hard work.
Acquired on June 19 from the Rangers, McGuire will be making his first start as an Angel on Sunday. The former Blue Jays prospect allowed three runs over four innings during his last appearance as a reliever in Boston on June 26, and will be hoping for a better result against the Orioles.
That’s it for now, folks!
Here’s to ending the losing streak.
