Can the Mariners Soar to Victory in Birdland over the Orioles?

The Mariners travel to Camden Yards for a three-day series with the Baltimore Orioles, the beginning of a ten-day visit to the East Coast.

The Mariners have a four-game differential for wins and losses at 24-20. The Orioles have a 13-game differential: their W-L record is 27-14. Recently, Adly Rutschman hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to beat Toronto 3-2 this past Wednesday. He said, “Our guys are really resilient, they have been all year. Always the next guy up. We never think we’re out of it.” Two years have passed since the team was swept.

The Orioles and the Mariners have similar records against Boston, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Arizona, and Toronto. The Orioles swept Minnesota while Seattle lost that series.

I cross my fingers that we don’t have a game called off or postponed in Baltimore. Rain is in the forecast for Saturday.

Meet the Orioles' Starting Pitching

If the rotation follows its previous order, the Mariners will likely face John Means, Dean Kremer, and Kyle Bradish. Means and Bradish recently finished time on the Injured List.

LHP John Means has a 3.09 ERA and has allowed four runs over 11.2 innings pitched. Means pitches a four-seamer at 91 mph, a changeup at 83 mph, a slider at 86 mph, and a knuckle curveball at 77 mph. Means returned this season from Tommy John surgery. “JOHN MEANS Business” is a t-shirt that has regained popularity. He certainly meant business in his season debut against the Reds when he threw seven shutout innings.

RHP Dean Kremer has allowed 25 runs, including nine home runs in 46 innings pitched. He averages one strikeout per inning and has walked 15 opponents. His ERA is 3.72. Kremer throws a four-seam fastball at 94 mph, a cutter at 87 mph, a sinker at 92 mph, a splitter at 84 mph, and a curveball at 78 mph. Statcast gives him an average rating relative to other MLB pitchers.

RHP Kyle Bradish has a 2.6 ERA in 13.2 innings. He has 17 Ks. He has allowed four runs and six walks. Bradish has had a UCL sprain which could lead to TJ surgery if he tears the ligament. Statcast gives Bradish a 99 on pitching run value and a 100 for breaking run value.

Kyle Bradish will likely give the Seattle batters the biggest challenge followed by John Means and Dean Kremer.

The Seattle pitchers for the three games in Baltimore are Miller, Castillo, and Kirby. It's difficult to elaborate because they have been amazing! Seattle has given up the fewest hits in MLB with a one-hit advantage over, you guessed it, the Orioles.

Who to watch out for in the Orioles lineup

The Orioles have the 12th highest batting average in MLB. Adley Rutschman (C) and Gunnar Henderson (SS) are players to look out for.

Rutschman has the higher batting average at .314 with an OPS of .859. He is responsible for 27 RBIs with nine home runs. His batting average is 4th in the AL this year, and his 53 hits are 3rd in the AL. He was an All-Star last year.

Gunnar Henderson has a BA of .259 and an OPS of .880.  He has hit four doubles, three triples, and 12 home runs thus far. He has the third most runs in the AL, the third most triples, and the second most home runs in the AL.

Look for Jordan Westburg and Ryan O’Hearn to bat well also as a part of this very dangerous Orioles lineup.

Quick Finishing thoughts on the Mariners

Rojas and Raley are hot. Cal has hit 10 home runs. The infield, especially, has been playing well with incredible catches and on-target throwing for outs. J.P. Crawford's hand injury in Tacoma is not severe, but he is still holding off on traveling with the team and will not be going to Baltimore. Dom Canzone is also back. There are several reasons to feel excited about our players. I think that the guys will do well in Baltimore.

I am wondering if Cal will hit another ball onto Eutaw Street. Go, Mariners!