Rays vs Orioles Preview: Ace Shocks in Week 61

The Tampa Bay Rays are rolling right now with a 34-16 record. They came into this series hot and just beat Baltimore twice, winning 5-3 and 4-1 to take control. You can see why—their lineup explodes fast. Guys like Díaz and Vilade steal bases and drive in clutch runs. But here's the thing: the Rays lost their last game. Still, they're dangerous. Shane McClanahan takes the mound today. He's an All-Star pitcher with real ace power when he's sharp. The Rays built their success on pitching depth and smart baseball. Today, they want to keep winning away from home.

Baltimore is 23-30 and climbing. They're at home at Oriole Park, which is where they need to win games. The Orioles just lost their last game, so they're hungry for payback. Kyle Bradish is their starter today. He's a quality arm who keeps Baltimore competitive on the mound. The problem? The Rays have been stomping them. Look at the last three games—Tampa Bay won all of them, including a wild 16-6 blowout. The Orioles' pitching needs to lock in tight. Bradish has to throw strikes and avoid giving away free baserunners.

This game is all about stopping streaks. The Rays are 34-16 and hungry. The Orioles are 23-30 and desperate to climb back. Both teams lost their last game, so both want to bounce back hard. McClanahan versus Bradish is a solid pitching matchup. If the Rays' hitters stay hot like they've been, it could be another rough day for Baltimore. But Oriole Park can be a tough place to play. The Orioles love playing at home. They're 14-13 there, which shows they can win in front of their fans. This one matters big.

Here's what you need to know: both teams are banged up. Tampa Bay lost Jake Fraley (right field) to hernia surgery for six to eight weeks. Jonny DeLuca also went down with a hamstring strain. That means fewer bats in the Rays' lineup. For Baltimore, Ryan Helsley just started playing catch again. He's been recovering from an elbow injury since May 1. Zach Eflin had Tommy John surgery and won't be back until next year. The Orioles' pitching staff is thin. McClanahan throws against an Orioles team missing key depth pieces. Both sides feel the weight of injuries today.

You want to see if the Rays' lineup stays hot. Díaz and Vilade have been crushing the ball. Can they do it again? On the flip side, watch Baltimore's pitching. Bradish needs to throw strikes early. Don't let the Rays jump ahead fast like they did in Tampa. Also pay attention to the Orioles' baserunning. They're at home—they need their fans loud and energy high. The Rays are winners right now, but Oriole Park is a special place. This is prime time for Baltimore to grab something back.