Baltimore Orioles vs Arizona Diamondbacks series preview

After the Orioles fourth straight series win by taking two of three from the Chicago White Sox to end the month of August, the Orioles start a nine game in 10 day road trip to open September, first taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Orioles start lengthy road trip with series against Arizona Diamondbacks

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT

Entering play on Thursday, the D-Backs are 69-65 and just a half game out of the final NL Wild Card spot, sitting a half game back of the San Francisco Giants and a half game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds. They have lost three straight after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

SEASON SERIES

The last time the Orioles and D-Backs met was in July of 2019 in Arizona. The D-Backs won the first and last game to take the series, with the Orioles winning the middle game. All time, the Orioles are 7-14 against the D-Backs, with every meeting coming in the regular season.

PITCHING PROBABLES

Friday, 9/1: Cole Irvin vs Zach Davies

Irvin starts the series opener as the Orioles continue to roll with six starters. He has a 4.78 ERA, 4.30 FIP, and 1.359 WHIP in 11 starts and eight relief appearances, averaging 1.1 home runs per nine and 8.2 strikeouts per nine over 64 innings in the majors this year.

Irvin will be facing the D-Backs for the first time in his career with this start. His last outing came against the Colorado Rockies, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk, striking out five hitters in six innings, a no decision for Irvin but a win for the Orioles.

The D-Backs give the start to the veteran Davies to open the series. The 30 year old has had a rough season, entering this start with a 6.93 ERA, 4.69 FIP, and 1.604 WHIP, averaging 1.2 walks per nine, 4.2 walks per nine, and 7.4 strikeouts per nine in 62 1/3 innings and 13 starts in his second season with the D-Backs.

Saturday, 9/2: Kyle Bradish vs Slade Cecconi

Like Irvin, Bradish will also be facing the D-Backs for the first time in his career with his start on Saturday. Flying under the radar as one of the Orioles best starters, Bradish has a 3.03 ERA, 3.45 FIP, and 1.107 WHIP through 133 2/3 innings and 24 starts.

A native of Peoria, Arizona, Bradish is expected to have quite the fan club in attendance for his start. HIs last start came against the Rockies, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight hitters in six innings, getting credited with his ninth win of the season.

The rookie Cecconi was called up in August for the D-Backs, going through his first taste of the majors. He has a 2.57 ERA, 4.03 FIP, and 0.905 WHIP through 21 innings pitched, averaging 1.7 walks per nine and six strikeouts per nine over three starts and two relief appearances.

Sunday, 9/3: Jack Flaherty vs Zac Gallen

Also a west coast native, Flaherty starts the series finale for the Orioles. Through four starts since being acquired at the trade deadline, he has allowed 14 runs in 19 2/3 innings, averaging 4.1 walks per nine and 10.1 strikeouts per nine in that time.

Flaherty made his last start also against the Rockies after an extended rest due to feeling off after a start against the Padres. Flaherty allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out three hitters in 5 2/3 innings. It was a no decision for Flaherty but a 4-3 loss for the Orioles.

In the series finale, the Orioles are unfortunately going against the D-Backs ace in Gallen. He has a 3.32 ERA, 3.36 FIP, and 1.096 WHIP, averaging 1.9 walks per nine and 9.5 strikeouts per nine in 173 1/3 innings and 28 starts. He was a part of the NL All Star team in Seattle.

Facing a team right in the middle of a playoff race in the NL, these wins won't come easy for the Orioles, as the D-Backs have a lot more at stake with each game. We'll also see some new faces for both teams, as the rosters expand to 28 on Friday. Let's play ball!