In the first of a three-game series between the Baltimore Orioles (16-19) and the Seattle Mariners (16-19) at Camden Yards, Miguel Gonzalez (4-2, 2.93 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (1-4, 7.22 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 19 and will air on ROOT-NW and MASN2.
Gonzalez is 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA against the Mariners in his career, and faces a less-than-stellar Seattle offense that’s hitting just .238 on the year. Adam Jones (.336, 19 Rs, 6 HRs, 25 RBIs) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 4 with one run and two RBIs. The Mariners were unsuccessful to the Padres 4-2 the last time Walker pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out six and walking one. Brad Miller (.264, 11 Rs, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Orioles will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In the last 10 games, Baltimore has only averaged 3.3 runs per game compared to the 4.5 they’ve averaged on the season. The Orioles have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire AL, averaging 5.1 runs per game. As for the pitching staff, the Orioles are fourth in the AL in hits allowed with just 7.6 per game.
The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Seattle pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.7 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.1. The Seattle pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game.
This game will feature Walker (RHP) on the mound against the Orioles, who have a 14-16 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Gonzalez will take the mound against the Mariners, who have a 14-15 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Seattle is 7-3, while Baltimore is 5-7.
The Orioles are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Mariners have a 2-0 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Orioles are 0-11. The Mariners have a 7-12 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking sixth in home runs, Baltimore has hit 44 this season. Seattle ranks third with 48 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Seattle is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.00 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.57.
Ranking 18th, Seattle is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.704). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .742.
When the Mariners allow at least one home run, they are 7-16, well-matched with the Orioles who are 7-14 when allowing at least one homer.
