Orioles vs Red Sox predictions
Ryan O’Hearn is the guy everyone’s got their eyes on for this matchup – and for good reason. Coming off a four-hit game, he’s looking laser-focused at the plate. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him notch at least another couple of hits and drive in a run or two. Cedric Mullins is always a spark at the top of the order, and with his mix of power and speed, you can almost pencil him in for some runs scored and perhaps even a stolen base. Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday? Both young bats have shown they can put the ball in play with some authority, so look out for each to grab a hit and keep the pressure on Boston’s pitchers. On the mound, Cade Povich has a challenge ahead at Fenway, but if he’s on his game, he’s capable of scattering some hits over five innings while picking up a handful of strikeouts.
Looking at the Boston Red Sox side of things, Alex Bregman has been on an absolute tear lately. I can see him doing damage again with at least three times on base and maybe even a dinger for good measure. Rafael Devers is another guy who just loves hitting at Fenway; don’t be shocked if he racks up an extra-base hit and a couple of RBIs. Jarren Duran brings energy both at the plate and on the basepaths, and with his speed, he’s always a threat to turn a single into a double – or a stolen base. The matchup also features Lucas Giolito toeing the rubber, and I like his chances to go deep into the game. Expect Giolito to get close to six innings with plenty of strikeouts, keeping the Orioles lineup on their heels.
With all that in mind, this one feels like it might tilt in Boston’s favor, especially with the home crowd behind them at Fenway Park. The Red Sox bats are hot and have been more consistent than what we’ve seen from Baltimore lately. Plus, Giolito has the stuff to keep the Orioles in check. O’Hearn and Mullins could make things interesting, but when you stack the lineups and starting arms side by side, Boston’s depth and recent momentum might just be too much for the Orioles to overcome in this matchup. What do you think – are the Sox set to handle business, or is Baltimore about to pull off a surprise?
