Probable pitchers: RHP Kyle Bradish (6-9, 3.61 ERA, 106 Ks) vs. LHP Eduardo Rivera (0-0, 2.89 ERA, 9 Ks
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
The first two games in Boston have been a kick in the teeth for an Orioles team (and fanbase) that came into Beantown riding high. A seven-game win streak and a spot two games back of a Wild Card berth has turned into a two-game losing streak and a four-game gap between the O’s and the playoffs.
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In Game 3 of the series and Game 2 of today’s doubleheader, the Orioles will look to finish the job after coming up just short in Monday’s series opener and today’s Game 1. Monday felt as much like a playoff game as any Orioles game since 2024, with the O’s and Sawx trading leads back-and-forth and Tyler O’Neill coming inches away from tying the game in the top of the 9th. Today’s earlier loss was once where the O’s dug themselves an early hole and, despite outhitting the Red Sox 11-9, the Baltimore bats couldn’t complete a comeback against the Boston bullpen.
Tonight’s matchup marks not only the chance to salvage an important game against a division/playoff spot rival, but the first start for Kyle Bradish since signing his record extension. The $90M man faced Boston once previously this season, finishing with a line of 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 BB and 3 Ks in a 5-3 loss to the Red Sox in Camden Yards.
Bradish has been a significantly less effective pitcher away from Baltimore this season, posting a 4.06 ERA on the road compared to 3.20 in Camden Yards. The 29-year-old has also struggled historically at Fenway, surrendering a 13.50 ERA and a .304 batting average against in three starts at the American League’s oldest park. He was more successful in his last visit to Boston, tossing six innings of two-run ball with nine strikeouts—though that came back in 2023. Bradish will hope to get the better of the Red Sox’ All-Star Willson Contreras, who comes into the matchup 2-for-4 with two homers off the Orioles’ righty.
Opposing Bradish is rookie left-hander Eduardo Rivera. The towering 23-year-old out of Puerto Rico is making his fourth career start and is coming off his first rough outing, having allowed three runs over 2.1 innings last time out vs. Tampa. Rivera hasn’t lasted long in any of his previous appearances, averaging just over three innings per start and never pitching into the 5th inning.
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The O’s can hopefully show a patient approach, drive up Rivera’s pitch count and get him out of the game early. Baltimore comes into the matchup 25th in team OPS vs. left-hander starters, and will be without Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basall0—both of whom have hit left-handers well.
Orioles lineup
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Johnathan Rodríguez (R) DH
Red Sox lineup
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