Orioles and Nationals Clash in Rivalry After Humbling Loss

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Baltimore Orioles face the Washington Nationals tonight in a highly anticipated matchup after the Orioles suffered a humiliating 24-2 defeat to the Guardians on Sunday. The game begins at 6:45 p.m. EDT at Nationals Park.

Both teams are struggling this season, with the Orioles holding a 9-12 record and the Nationals at 9-13. Despite the close records, the context is different. The Orioles were expected to compete this year, while the Nationals are rebuilding.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has made changes to the lineup in response to the team’s struggles against left-handed pitchers. The Orioles have lost five straight games against lefties, with a batting average of only .184 in those matchups. Mitchell Parker, who boasts an impressive 1.84 ERA this season, is set to start for the Nationals.

“We need to find a way to win, especially against division rivals,” Hyde said about the importance of tonight’s game.

The Orioles will feature Jackson Holliday and Heston Kjerstad, both of whom are young players looking to make an impact. Holliday gets the start at second base, while Kjerstad returns to the lineup after an injury.

Dean Kremer will take the mound for the Orioles. Kremer has performed well against the Nationals in previous encounters, with a perfect 3-0 record and a 2.04 ERA against them over the last three seasons.

“I feel good about facing this lineup,” Kremer said. “We just need to put last game behind us.”

The game is part of the “Battle of the Beltway” series, and both teams are eager for a win to boost their morale. The Nationals will also be welcoming special guests today, as three players from the WNBA’s Washington Mystics will throw out the first pitches.

Fans are excited for this rivalry matchup, as both the Orioles and Nationals look to turn their seasons around and claim bragging rights in the D.C. area.