The Orioles sandwiched a series sweep between a pair of downers against NL Central opponents. Will they get back on track against the Twins?
The Orioles managed to secure a competitive Game 3 victory after dropping a pair against the Brewers over the weekend. Baltimore swept Boston last week, but the team struggled against two NL Central foes. The O’s won two out of three against Kansas City early in the year, but what should we expect against the Twins?
Minnesota will arrive in Baltimore with a 5-7 record. The Twins lost the first and final games of a four-game series in Detroit but swept a Saturday doubleheader. Many expect Minnesota to contend for the AL Central this season, but the Orioles will look to extend their early misfortune.
Baltimore will attempt to settle down on the mound after allowing 26 runs in the last three games. With both Cole Irvin and Tyler Wells set to pitch in the series, the O’s may need the bats to do the heavy lifting once again.
Game 1: Monday, April 15, 6:35 pm, MASN
LHP Cole Irvin (0-1, 8.10 ERA) vs. RHP Louis Varland (0-2, 9.00 ERA)
Cole Irvin appeared to have better stuff his last time out in Boston, but the lefty still allowed five earned runs in five innings. Irvin took responsibility for a few missed pitches but said he felt good for a majority of the outing. After multiple questions from reporters, he eventually admitted that an inconsistent strike zone may have impacted his performance.
It’s risky business to predict a quality start for Irvin, but he looks due for some modest success this week. Let’s keep it positive for now.
Louis Varland surrendered three homers in his first nine innings, so the Birds will look to get the big bats out early. Varland allowed three runs in his first start at Milwaukee before getting tagged for six runs by the Dodgers.
Game 2: Tuesday, April 16, 6:35 pm, MASN
RHP Grayson Rodriguez (2-0, 2.50 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Paddack (0-0, 4.15 ERA)
Up to this point, Baltimore’s rotation has consisted of Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, and everybody else. Rodriguez looked the part of an ace during his first three starts. Burnes failed to provide Baltimore a dominant start on Sunday, but maybe Rodriguez can provide the bullpen some needed rest in this one.
Chris Paddack missed almost all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He’s back in Minnesota’s rotation this year but has yet to complete five innings. Baltimore should find their way to the bullpen early if they can utilize a patient approach at the plate. Unfortunately, the Twins bullpen has dominated early in the season.
Game 3: Wednesday, April 17, 1:05 pm, MASN
RHP Tyler Wells (0-2, 5.87 ERA) vs. Pablo López (1-2, 4.86 ERA)
Tyler Wells has lived up to his rotation as a strike thrower, but opponents have made him pay with homers in each of his first three starts. Wells struck out seven in a quality start against the Angels, but he only lasted four innings against the Brewers last week. Every start that Wells or Irvin makes seems to spike Twitter searches for Kyle Bradish and John Means.
The Birds will face one of the best pitchers in baseball Wednesday afternoon. Pablo López struck out seven in just four innings his last time out against Detroit, but the Tigers managed to chase the 28-year-old with five runs. Hopefully López waits one more game before settling into a predictable groove this season.