The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the Baltimore Orioles in what promises to be an exciting Thursday night game at Dodger Stadium. Both teams enter the matchup with nearly identical records, raising speculation that this could be a preview of the World Series. The Orioles managed to pull off an upset in the first game of the series and maintained a competitive edge in game two, where they took an early lead. Throughout the 2023 season, the Dodgers won two out of three matchups against the Orioles, yet the teams have split their last five encounters. Fans are keen to tune in for what is anticipated to be the highlight of Thursday’s lineup.
Baltimore’s Momentum in the AL East
Baltimore has shown resilience in the first two games of this series and aims to establish dominance in the finale. They find themselves in a tight race in the AL East, heading into Wednesday’s matchup just a half-game behind their rivals. The American League is highly competitive, and many might view a series against the Dodgers as a tough challenge. However, the Orioles have embraced this opportunity. They stand at 5-5 over their last ten games and boast an impressive 38-26 record on the road. With a series against Colorado looming, securing a win on Thursday is crucial for building confidence and momentum.
According to MLB.com, Cade Povich is slated to take the mound for the Orioles. The left-handed pitcher has faced difficulties recently, with a 1-4 record and an 8.59 ERA in his last five appearances. Facing the Dodgers will add pressure, and he must improve his ability to pitch deeper into games. With the bullpen showing signs of fatigue after the first two games, a strong performance from Povich is essential.
Baltimore’s batting lineup remains one of the most formidable in the league, hitting .249 as a team and averaging 5.1 runs per game, surpassing the Dodgers’ scoring average. Although Ryan Mountcastle is sidelined with a wrist injury and Jordan Westburg is out with a hand issue, the Orioles still possess significant offensive firepower in their lineup. This depth will be crucial as they aim to keep pace with Los Angeles.
Dodgers Pursuing the NL West Title
The NL West is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with three teams separated by fewer than four games. The Dodgers have been playoff contenders for the past decade, and they carry the weight of high expectations as they aim for another World Series run. They have gone 7-3 in their last ten games, but with both the Diamondbacks and Padres performing well, the Dodgers must continue to win. Their upcoming series against Arizona underscores the need for sustained momentum as they head into the weekend.
As of Wednesday evening, the Dodgers have not confirmed who will start on the mound for them in the finale. This uncertainty could be a concern, particularly as they anticipated an advantage against Povich. The team has a collective 3.74 ERA and will need their starting pitcher to deliver solid innings.
Los Angeles boasts one of the deepest batting lineups in Major League Baseball, which will be vital to their success in this matchup, especially if pitching struggles arise. Freddie Freeman (finger) missed the previous game and is likely to be unavailable again, but the Dodgers still have a wealth of talent. The duo of Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts remains one of the most dangerous in the sport, and their contributions will be critical in this contest.
Solid Predictions for Orioles vs. Dodgers
The Dodgers are well-positioned to secure a victory in this matchup, bolstered by the advantage of playing at home. For the Orioles, traveling across the country presents its own set of challenges, especially as their focus may begin to shift toward the upcoming series in Colorado. With Baltimore relying on one of their less effective starters, concerns are heightened. In contrast, the Dodgers can draw on their bullpen depth to alleviate potential pitching issues. While both teams are missing key players, the depth advantage for Los Angeles should play a significant role in their success in this game.
