Thursday night Orioles game thread: at Guardians, 6:10pm ET

Probable pitchers: RHP Shane Baz (0-1, 4.50 ERA, 13 Okay) vs. LHP Parker Messick (2-0, 0.51 ERA, 16 Okay)

Where to observe: MASN/MASN+

Through the primary six collection of the season, the Orioles are sitting with a .500 file and have performed precisely like a .500 baseball staff. Tonight in Cleveland, supervisor Craig Albernaz will tackle his former staff, trying to show that the Orioles can rise above their current mediocrity.

The O’s come into Cleveland with a 9-9 file, 77 runs scored vs. 78 allowed, the Sixteenth-ranked offense in runs/game, and the 14th-best staff ERA. Eight of their 9 losses have come by three runs or much less, whereas six of their 9 victories have additionally come by small margins.

The expertise on this staff is healthier than the file suggests, however some psychological lapses, poor protection, and the occasional bullpen have left Birdland wanting extra. Shane Baz, the O’s starter who maybe most epitomizes “leaves you wanting more,” takes the mound tonight in Progressive Field, trying to put the O’s again above .500.

Baz took the loss his final trip in opposition to San Francisco, as he scattered 9 hits throughout 5 innings whereas permitting three runs. In his solely highway begin of the season, 12 days in the past in Pittsburgh, he dazzled—ending with a remaining line of 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, and 5 Okay.

Baz has the instruments to be a dominant starter; specifically, his fastball that sits at 97 and touches triple digits, paired together with his sharp knuckle curve. Results have not at all times matched his stuff, although, with opponents hitting .529 with a .824 slugging proportion in opposition to his heater via three begins.

The 26-year-old right-hander will make his second begin of his profession in Cleveland, after pitching at Progressive Field for the primary time final 12 months. That night, Baz took the L, regardless of placing up a high quality begin of 6 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, and seven Okay.

Opposing the Orioles No. 3 starter is rookie left-hander Parker Messick. A former Florida State Seminole and Cleveland’s No. 5 prospect, Messick has shortly acclimated to the majors, permitting just one run over 17.2 innings in his first three begins. Last trip in opposition to the Braves, he tossed 6.2 scoreless innings, permitting 4 hits and punching out 5.

The O’s did nicely dealing with their first left-handed starter of the season yesterday, tagging Arizona’s Eduardo Rodríguez for 4 runs and 6 hits over 5 innings. With regular lefty mashers Ryan Mountcastle, Tyler O’Neill, and Adley Rutschman on the IL, Albernaz turns to former Guardian Johnathan Rodríguez as he seems to be to beat his mentor Stephen Vogt, and the Guardians.