The final chapter of a weekend series unfolds as the Baltimore Orioles travel to face their AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays, in the Sunshine State. The Orioles secured a crucial 4-1 win in the series opener on Friday night, setting the stage for an intense showdown on Sunday afternoon. As both teams vie for dominance in the AL East, the question remains: will the Orioles clinch the series victory, or can the Rays bounce back on getaway day? This preview is provided ahead of the second game’s conclusion, taking place at Tropicana Field on Saturday night.
Orioles Aim to Maintain AL East Lead
The Baltimore Orioles achieved their fourth win in six games after their strong performance against the Rays. Entering Saturday, they held a 69-48 record, slightly ahead of the Yankees in the AL East standings. Eloy Jimenez’s impressive three-hit game was a highlight, while Ryan O’Hearn contributed two RBIs. Cedric Mullins and Colton Cowser also shined, with both players hitting home runs. Zach Eflin, facing his former team, pitched a stellar seven innings, allowing no runs and striking out seven batters.
Starting for the Orioles in the series finale is Albert Suarez, who will make his 24th appearance of the season. With a record of 5-4 and a 3.66 ERA, Suarez has shown potential in his 83.2 innings pitched. Although he did not receive a decision in his last outing against the Blue Jays, he delivered a solid performance, not allowing any runs. As Suarez prepares for his third game against the Rays, he brings a 3.72 ERA from previous encounters. His past experience at Tropicana Field further adds to the intrigue as he aims for his first win there since 2016.
Rays Look to Regain Momentum at Home
The Tampa Bay Rays faced their third defeat in four games with the loss in the series opener. With a record of 58-57, they currently sit fourth in the AL East, trailing the Orioles by ten games. The Rays struggled offensively, recording only five hits, and Dylan Carlson’s solo home run in the ninth was not enough to change their fate. Zack Littell took the loss, allowing three runs in five innings on the mound.
Jeffrey Springs is set to pitch for the Rays, marking his third start of the season. Although he has yet to secure a win and carries a 6.23 ERA, Springs has shown flashes of brilliance in previous matchups against the Orioles, holding a 3-0 record with a 2.45 ERA. A strong performance at Tropicana Field, where he has an 8-2 record and a 2.29 ERA, could help the Rays turn their fortunes around and keep them in the playoff conversation.
Betting Insights for Orioles vs. Rays
When analyzing the upcoming game, the matchup between Suarez and Springs is particularly intriguing. Traditionally, the Rays might be favored due to their home-field advantage. However, Springs has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery, and his recent performances raise concerns. On the other hand, Suarez has demonstrated resilience, and with the Orioles fighting for AL East supremacy, they are focused on securing wins against teams below them. Given the Rays’ recent struggles, it seems likely that Suarez will keep their offense at bay, leading the Orioles to a series-clinching victory.
