Rays vs Orioles Preview: Pitching Chiefs Clash in Week 61

Tampa Bay is rolling. They're 34-18 and won six of their last ten games. The Rays just beat Baltimore 1-6 yesterday after a tough loss the night before in extra innings. Now Steven Matz gets the start for Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Matz hasn't had his best season yet, sitting at 1-0 with a 7.2 ERA. Still, the Rays believe in their pitching depth. Catching Matz will be Baltimore's chance to bounce back and stay in this series.

The Orioles are 25-30 and just dropped their record yesterday. But look at their last game — Baltimore crushed Tampa Bay 6-1 on May 26. Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso are two of the most dangerous hitters on the team. Alonso is hitting over .300 this season and brings real power. Adley Rutschman, their star catcher, has been solid at the plate too. If Baltimore's offense gets going against Matz, the Orioles could win big. Their home crowd at Oriole Park gives them an advantage tonight.

Tampa Bay loves to win on the road. Their pitching has kept them in almost every game this season. Matz will need to be sharp against Baltimore's lineup. The Rays are dealing with some injuries — Griffin Jax got hit by a line drive but avoided serious damage. Jake Fraley is out for weeks with surgery ahead. Still, Tampa Bay's depth means they can find ways to score runs and compete. Tonight tells us if they can keep climbing the standings.