Orioles Set to Face Royals in Exciting Series Opener Tonight

Baltimore, MD — The Baltimore Orioles are poised for an exciting matchup against the Kansas City Royals tonight at Camden Yards. The game marks the start of a weekend series, and the Orioles hope to maintain their home success against the Royals.

Jackson Holliday will move up to sixth in the batting order for the game. Heston Kjerstad will start in right field, and Ramón Laureano will take the left field position as the team looks to improve its lineup. Starting pitcher Dean Kremer aims to lower his current ERA of 7.04.

Kremer faced the Royals previously on April 4, where he allowed two earned runs and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. Historically, he has a 3.98 ERA in four career starts against Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with a 22-game hitting streak and has performed well against the Orioles, hitting 4-for-11 with a home run. Additionally, Salvador Pérez is 3-for-11 against Kremer with a home run and a double.

The Orioles boast impressive statistics, including having 11 players with multiple home runs this season, the most in Major League Baseball and their highest total before May. The team has a record of 33-21 in May since 2023, continuing a trend of strong performances. They have also not lost a home series to Kansas City in their last nine series encounters.

Kansas City’s Michael Wacha will take the mound with a 3.38 ERA. He faced the Orioles earlier this month, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings. However, he delivered a strong performance in his last start, shutting out the Astros over six innings.

In roster news, former Orioles minor league pitcher Trey McGough has retired after a short stint in the majors. He struggled this season while playing for Triple-A Charlotte, posting a 1.98 ERA with 14 games before being traded.

As the game approaches, both teams look for a victory to boost their morale in the ongoing season.