Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees: Series Preview for Early April Battle

Series Prediction

Apr 12, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

These teams already have a common opponent in the Blue Jays, and they both failed that test. Without reading too much into that, I like the Orioles right now because their bats are hotter, despite the Yankees’ huge offensive outburst on Sunday night.

I expect to see a bounce-back outing from Chen on Monday, in a pitchers duel against Pineda. I think Gonzalez will build off his first start, because I liked what I saw from him when he got in trouble in Tampa.

Norris and Eovaldi are tougher to predict, and that’s where it will come down to offense and bullpens. The Orioles bullpen had a rough weekend against Toronto, but there’s no better time to catch the Yankees or Red Sox than after they play each other, because they always get deep into each other’s bullpens.

In the end, I think the Orioles will take two of three and get back on track.

Next: A Look at The Orioles Division Win in 2014