Well, Game 1 of this four-game set in Tampa didn’t go as hoped. The Orioles were handed a rough 7-1 loss on Monday night, with Rays starter Ryan Pepiot shutting down their offense, while Zach Eflin suffered through one of the worst outings of his career.
There’s a chance to bounce back tonight, though expectations are tempered. Dean Kremer (5-7, 4.99 ERA) has had a couple of shaky outings after an impressive May (2.72 ERA). He gave up five runs to the A’s two starts ago and then surrendered four more to Detroit, both via home runs. To his credit, Kremer came in after opener Keegan Akin in the Detroit game and still managed to pitch seven innings against a tough lineup. He hasn’t faced the Rays since last season, when he held them scoreless over six innings.
Perhaps Kremer can catch the Rays off guard — only Yandy Díaz has more than nine at-bats against him, and he’s struggled, managing just a 1-for-16 line.
On the flip side, there’s reason for optimism facing Tampa Bay’s Zack Littell (6-6, 3.84 ERA). He’s a right-hander, and while he’s had a solid 2024 overall, he’s been more hittable this season. As noted in the series preview, despite his excellent control (3.2 walks per nine innings), Littell has a high 5.41 FIP and has given up an MLB-high 21 home runs in just 14 starts. His pitch mix includes a slider (32%), four-seam fastball (25%), splitter (24%), sinker (14%), and sweeper (4%).
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25296676/usa_today_21120828.jpg)
Dean Kremer
For tonight’s matchup, Ramón Laureano gets the nod over Ramón Urías, a strategic call by bench coach Tony Mansolino. Laureano has hit Littell well in the past, going 6-for-18 with a home run, an RBI, and a 1.166 OPS. Gunnar Henderson has also dominated Littell, hitting 7-for-15 with two homers and a 1.462 OPS. Dylan Carlson remains in the lineup too, boasting a career .953 OPS against Littell.
Orioles lineup
2B Jackson Holliday
C Adley Rutschman
SS Gunnar Henderson
3B Jordan Westburg
1B Ryan O’Hearn
RF Ramón Laureano
DH Cedric Mullins
CF Colton Cowser
LF Dylan Carlson
RHP Dean Kremer
Rays lineup
RF Josh Lowe
2B Brandon Lowe
DH Yandy Díaz
1B Jonathan Aranda
3B Junior Caminero
LF Jake Mangum
C Matt Thaiss
SS Taylor Walls
CF Kameron Misner
RHP Zack Littell
No Comment! Be the first one.