After the Orioles got an unexpected reprieve as Boston was rained out last night, the two teams take the field for a day-night doubleheader this afternoon. Will the Orioles be able to avoid losing twice? I’m not optimistic, but anything is possible. After all, they are on a one-game winning streak.
Cade Povich, who was the scheduled starter on Thursday before the rainout, will pitch in today’s matinee. His season debut came against the Red Sox on March 31, the Orioles’ home opener, and he lasted only 4.1 innings but ultimately had eight strikeouts in the O’s victory. Povich also faced the Sox twice as a rookie last year, throwing one quality start (6.1 IP, 2 ER on Aug. 17) and one less star (4.2 IP, 4. ER on Sept. 9). Lefty-killer Rob Refsnyder has especially burned Povich with four hits in seven at-bats, including a home run. Refsnyder is batting cleanup today.
Expect interim O’s manager Tony Mansolino to give all 13 of his position players at least one start today, except possibly Ramon Laureano, who is still day-to-day after hurting his left ankle in the Brewers series. In Laureano’s absence, the O’s are playing truly terrifying defense in the outfield corners with Ryan O’Hearn in front of the Green Monster and Heston Kjerstad at the short wall in right. Best of luck. Gunnar Henderson gets a half-day off by DH’ing in the first game, giving Jorge Mateo a rare start against a righty.
The O’s will take on Sox righty Brian Belo, who has four career wins against the Orioles, his most against any team. Currently the only Oriole who has hit him particularly well is Henderson, who has three extra-base hits – a dinger and two doubles – in 15 at-bats against Bello.
Orioles Lineup:
2B Jackson Holliday
C Adley Rutschman
DH Gunnar Henderson
1B Ryan Mountcastle
LF Ryan O’Hearn
3B Ramon Urías
CF Cedric Mullins
RF Heston Kjerstad
SS Jorge Mateo
LHP Cade Povich
Red Sox Lineup:
LF Jarren Duran
DH Rafael Devers
3B Alex Bregman
RF Rob Refsnyder
SS Trevor Story
C Carlos Narvaez
1B Nick Sogard
2B Christian Campbell
CF Seden Rafael
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