Orioles Seek Third Straight Win Against Reds in Upcoming Series

Baltimore, MD — The Baltimore Orioles are stepping into their upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds with newfound momentum, having secured their first winning streak of the 2025 season. The three-game series kicks off Friday at Camden Yards, following the Orioles’ back-to-back victories against the Cleveland Guardians.

A particularly encouraging 6-2 win on Thursday has left players feeling optimistic. “Just got to keep it rolling,” said Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. The player, who contributed to the win with a home run, added, “We finally got that first series win, so that feels good.”

In contrast, the Reds are reeling from a recent setback, having lost two consecutive games after a promising four-game winning streak. They fell to the Seattle Mariners 11-7 on Thursday in a heartbreaking 10-inning match, squandering a two-run lead in the eighth after giving up back-to-back home runs in the ninth. Cincinnati outfielder Jake Fraley emphasized the importance of staying focused. “I say it over and over. This is a long season,” he noted. “If you let one game get too much of you, that’s when that spirals.”

The Reds are beginning a daunting nine-game road trip that also includes stops in Miami and Colorado. They finished their last road swing with a 3-4 record and will need to tighten their defense after committing four errors in the game against Seattle. “We played with a lot of heart, which is good,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “But we made too many mistakes to win a game like that.”

This series comes with additional intrigue as Cincinnati outfielder Austin Hays returns from the injured list, making a significant impact by hitting home runs in two of his first three games back. Hays previously played seven major league seasons with Baltimore before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies last summer.

On the mound, the teams will showcase two promising left-handers. For the Reds, Andrew Abbott (1-0, 1.80 ERA) will make his second start of the season, having excelled in his debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Last year, he faced the Orioles twice, once suffering a loss and the next time securing a win by limiting them to one run over six innings with eight strikeouts.

For the Orioles, Cade Povich (0-1, 3.60 ERA) will take the mound, looking to establish his presence following three solid starts this season where he has consistently pitched into the fifth inning despite yielding 24 hits in 15 innings so far. This matchup marks Povich’s first encounter with Cincinnati.

Baltimore’s pitching schedule looks promising as starter Tomoyuki Sugano recently put in seven strong innings on Thursday, giving the bullpen a much-needed breather ahead of the weekend series. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed his satisfaction with the team’s recent performance, saying, “It allows guys to get a little breather down in the bullpen.”

In roster news, the Reds also announced that infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand has been placed on the injured list due to a back issue. Noelvi Marte, who was optioned to Triple-A Louisville just earlier this week, has been called up to fill in. “I’m confident in myself,” said Marte, ready to make an impact as he steps back into the lineup.