Listen Live: Baltimore Orioles at Cleveland Indians [Live Audio] MLB
Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
Two teams streaking in different directions square off on Friday as the Cleveland Indians host the Baltimore Orioles in the opener of their three-game series. Cleveland has sandwiched five- and three-game winning streaks around a three-game slide and enter the matchup with Baltimore having captured the final three contests of a four-game set against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox to conclude a 6-3 road trip.
The Indians are hoping Rajai Davis breaks out of his slump as the leadoff hitter is 1-for-18 over his last six games, with the hit being a home run. Baltimore kicked off its nine-game road trip with a pair of victories over the Los Angeles Angels but has lost four in a row since, including a 4-2 setback at Houston on Thursday that completed a three-game sweep. The Orioles have struggled to score on the trek, producing three runs or fewer in each of their last five contests after beginning the trip with a 9-4 victory. Making contact at the plate will be imperative for Baltimore, which has struck out 73 times over its last five games - including 52, a dubious major-league record for a three-game series -- against the Astros.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Mike Wright (2-3, 4.97 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (3-2, 4.31)
Wright has allowed two earned runs in three of his last four starts, including a no-decision at the Los Angeles Angels on May 20 in which he gave up four runs overall on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old native of South Carolina has done a good job of keeping the ball in the park this season, permitting four home runs over 41 2/3 frames after serving up nine in 44 2/3 innings last year - his first in the majors. Wright, who never has faced Cleveland, is 1-1 with a 5.94 ERA in three road starts this campaign.
Bauer will be making his sixth consecutive start after beginning the season with six relief appearances in which he surrendered six runs over 11 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old Californian suffered his second straight loss Saturday at Boston, where he yielded four runs and eight hits in five frames. Bauer has yet to defeat Baltimore in his career, going 0-2 while allowing eight runs and 11 hits - four homers - over 11 1/3 innings in two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles SS/3B Manny Machado is 2-for-5 lifetime against Bauer, with both hits being solo homers.
2. Cleveland has been red-hot at home, scoring a total of 28 runs in its last two contests at Progressive Field.
3. Baltimore SS J.J. Hardy, who hasn't played since May 1 due to a fractured left foot, has been cleared to walk on the foot.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Orioles 4
