Baltimore Orioles series preview vs the Pittsburgh Pirates

Following another series win, this time against the juggernaut Tampa Bay Rays, the Baltimore Orioles remain at Camden Yards for a matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three game weekend series.

Baltimore Orioles welcome Pittsburgh Pirates to Camden Yards for three game series

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

The Pirates enter the game with a 21-17 record, far exceeding expectations, sweeping the Boston Red Sox in April and also winning a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Things haven't gone so well recently, as they're just 1-9 in their last 10 games following series against the Rays and Toronto Blue Jays. They're coming off a series loss to the Colorado Rockies at home.

SEASON SERIES

The Orioles interleague slate last season included the NL Central, so these squads played each other in 2022. The Orioles took two of three from the Pirates in August at home, winning by scores of 1-0 and 6-3 before losing the series finale 8-1.

PITCHING PROBABLES

Friday, 5/12: Johan Oviedo vs Kyle Bradish

The series opener pits two righties against each other. Oviedo enters this start with a rocky season, posting a 5.59 ERA but has a 3.80 FIP in seven starts, throwing 37 innings over that time for the Pirates.

Bradish is entering his second start of May and fifth of the season after a stay on the injured list. He had a no decision in his last start, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks, striking out four hitters in five innings against the Atlanta Braves.

Saturday, 5/13: Roansy Contreras vs Tyler Wells

It's another matchup of right handers in the middle game of the series. Like Oviedo, Contreras has made seven starts this season, with a 4.74 ERA, 3.94 FIP, and 1.553 WHIP over that time, throwing 38 innings and has a 3-3 record. He averages less than one home run per nine innings, so don't expect a lot of long balls.

Wells is entering his seventh start and eighth appearance of the season. His last start also came against the Atlanta Braves, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over five innings, striking out four hitters in a no decision.

Sunday, 5/14: Mitch Keller vs Kyle Gibson

The final game also has both starters being right handed. Keller is in the midst of a strong season at the top of the Pirates rotation, with a 2.72 ERA and one complete game shutout this season, throwing 49 2/3 innings over eight starts.

Gibson also has eight starts under his belt this season, with a 4.40 ERA over 47 innings. His last start was the series opener against the Rays, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks, taking his second loss in a row while throwing six innings.

Facing the skidding Pirates at home, this series is a great time for the Orioles to add a few more wins to their total, currently sitting as the second best team in the AL. Let's play ball!