Series Preview: Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians

Jun 2, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) celebrates with infielder Stevie Wilkerson (12) and teammates aft the game against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) celebrates with infielder Stevie Wilkerson (12) and teammates aft the game against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles face off against the Cleveland Indians in a three-game weekend series at OPaCY, beginning this Friday

The Baltimore Orioles, coming off of their series victory against the Minnesota Twins, are aiming to make it two in a row as they face off against the Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards starting Friday evening.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

HITTER: Cedric Mullins (.298, 6 HR, 14 RBI) Mullins comes in hitting .301 at Camden Yards.

PITCHER: John Means (4-1, 2.05 ERA) Means, the Orioles ace looks to bounce back from his first loss of 2021 in his last outing against the Chicago White Sox.

Friday, June 4, 2021 @ 7:05pm

Projected Starting Pitchers:

BAL: Keegan Akin (0-0, 4.80 ERA)

CLE: Jean Carlos Mejia (0-1, 0.00 ERA)

The Orioles start off their series against the Indians by sending out Keegan Akin, who is being tasked with making his second start of the season. This matchup is all about the unknowns with the two starting pitchers, as Mejia is making his first career start on the opposing end. This game seems to be in the Orioles’ favor as a pitcher making his MLB debut as a starter may be susceptible to some fatigue as he goes through the lineup.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 @ 4:05pm

Projected Starting Pitchers:

BAL: John Means (4-1, 2.05 ERA)

CLE: Aaron Civale (7-2, 3.28 ERA)

There’s not much else to say besides happy John Means day. Although he suffered a loss in his last outing, Means still boasts a top ten ERA in the majors. On the other end, Baltimore’s lineup will face Aaron Civale, who is coming off of a rough start where he allowed four earned runs in six innings of work against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Orioles have a great opportunity to capitalize with Means on the mound in this one, and as the old saying goes, “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”.

Sunday, June 6, 2021 @ 1:05pm

Projected Starting Pitchers:

BAL: Jorge Lopez (1-6, 5.29 ERA)

CLE: TBD

Baltimore will be sending out Jorge Lopez in a matinee showdown on Sunday. Lopez is looking to build off of what was his best start of the season in his last outing, in which he tossed six innings and only allowed one earned run. If the Orioles can get another six-inning quality start out of Lopez, the chances of securing a win on Sunday are in their favor.