MLB: New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles | 20 May, 12:35 AM (PST)

[Mary C]

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS: 

NEW YORK YANKEES: 

C | Kyle Higashioka 

FB | Anthony Rizzo 

SB | DJ LeMahieu 

S | Isaiah Kiner-Falefa 

TB | Josh Donaldson 

LF | Joey Gallo 

CF | Aaron Hicks 

RF | Aaron Judge 

DH | Giancarlo Stanton 

 

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: 

C | Robinson Chirinos 

FB | Ryan Mountcastle 

SB | Rougned Odor 

S | Jorge Mateo 

TB | Ramon Urias 

LF | Austin Hays 

CF | Cedric Mullins 

RF | Anthony Santander 

DH | Tray Mancini 

 

In an intraleague game, AL East teams Yankees and Orioles are set to have their last faceoff for the current series this Friday, May 20, 2022. While the series has been hosted by the Oriole Stadium, the Orioles have not found much luck yet. With the Yankees winning two out of four games, the Orioles have limited time left for redemption. As their last match ended in a close 5-4 in favor of New York, there’s still hope for Baltimore.  

 

On paper, it’s hard not to establish a stark comparison of the two. The New York Yankees are not only first in the American League East but are also first in the entire MLB. With a total of 27 wins and 9 losses, the Yankees obviously cannot rest on their laurels yet this early in the season. Just a couple of days ago, the Dodgers were sitting on top just to be dethroned by the Yankees so quickly. Then again, they don’t have what New York has; Aaron Judge. Considerably the face of the team, Judge was the main player to take over and carry the team to victory in their games against the Orioles along with Michael King. Judge managed two home runs with King’s six strikeouts which secured their victory. From being named the AL Rookie of the Year back in 2017, the right fielder has been consistently proving that he goes above and beyond. As of the moment, Judge has pulled 14 home runs, a .315 average, and a 30 RBI.  

 

Next, we have in the spotlight is the home team Baltimore Orioles. Fourth in the AL East and 26th in the MLB with 14-21, they are the obvious underdog in this matchup. Historically speaking, however, the Orioles are doing better than expected of them thus far. Coming off of a weekend sweep in the hands of the Detroit Tigers, it’s hard to gauge whether the team is motivated to put their recent losses behind them or demoralized from their unsuccessful feats. On the bright side, Bruce Zimmermann is the probable pitcher for Friday’s game. With a 2.72 ERA, he fairs better than New York’s Jordan Montgomery’s 3.06 if we look at the numbers alone. If Zimmermann showcases his best behavior this Friday, he just might be able to carry his team to victory, but even then they’d have to pull some miracles if we’re only depending on one player.  

 

In conclusion, we’ve placed our bets, and it’s unsurprisingly for the New York Yankees. While we don’t want to be the typical watcher rooting for the hero, it’s just hard to visualize Baltimore winning with such poor circumstances against one of the best teams, if not arguably the best team this season. The Yankees are on a high, blazing streak. Baltimore has been at the bottom of the barrel for quite some time. It’s hard to imagine them being the one to end New York’s streak here. We’re afraid it’s another sweep on the losing end for the Orioles.  

12:35 AM, Friday, May 20, 2022. Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland.