Wacha Goes for Eighth Win
The Boston Red Sox look to Michael Wacha to get them back on track Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. Wacha has won his last four decisions, including tossing seven shutout innings in his last start. The Red Sox could use that kind of pitching after giving up 23 runs in their last two games, including a 15-10 defeat to the surging Orioles Friday in the first game of the series. Going up against a rookie pitcher in the Orioles’ Kyle Bradish, who is 1-4 with a 6.38 ERA and 14 home runs allowed in 66.1 innings pitched, should help the Red Sox to regroup.
Let’s check the latest MLB news, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Red Sox vs Orioles. We’ve plenty of MLB picks & predictions.
Rutschman Helping To Power Orioles
The Orioles’ 2-3-4 hitters had a field day against the Red Sox Friday in the first game of the series. Adley Rutschman, Anthony Santander and Ryan Mountcastle combined to go 8 for 15 with three home runs, eight runs scored and nine RBI. The trio were a part of a group of seven players who had at least two hits in the game. After a rough couple months to start his career, Rutschman, the former No. 1 draft pick in 2019 out of Oregon State, has found his groove, batting .275 with a .421 on base percentage and an .892 OPS. Rutschman is also getting it done behind the plate on defense as he has racked up 10 defensive runs saved, which ranks second in the majors leagues to the New York Yankees’ Jose Trevino (16), who has caught over 100 more innings. The Orioles are making a push for the playoffs this season, but with Rutschman and six prospects who are ranked in the top 100, including Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez and Jackson Holliday, they are set up for success for the long run.
Verdugo Riding High for Red Sox
Alex Verdugo has wielded a hot bat for most of August, but especially so in the last 10 games. The 26-year-old has gone 16 for 36 (.444) with eight runs scored, six doubles, four RBI and six walks over the span to raise his average to .283 on the season. The outfielder and designated hitter had three hits in Friday’s game with the Orioles, one of three Red Sox players to do so along with Christian Arroyo and Rob Refsnyder, but it was all for naught. It was the third three-hit game in the last 10 contests and ninth of the season for Verdugo, who thus far has been the best player acquired in the Mookie Betts trade. Prior to Friday’s game, Verdugo had struggled against the Orioles, batting .167 with zero runs scored and three RBI in 30 at bats.
Red Sox vs Orioles Head-to-Head
The Orioles improved to 6-4 against the Red Sox this season, but are 17-22 against them the last three years. The underdog against the spread has won seven of 10 games this season.
Red Sox vs Orioles Game Information
- Game: Red Sox (59-61) vs Orioles (62-57)
- Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- Day/Time: Saturday, Aug 20 4:05 p.m. ET
- Live Stream: MLB TV
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Red Sox |
-1½ +130
|
-121 | 8½ -120o | 4½ -115o 4½ -115u |
| Orioles |
+1½ -150
|
+111 |
8½ Evu
|
3½ -145o 3½ +115u |
Tough to take the Red Sox giving 1.5 runs, but Wacha should be able to hold the Orioles in check long enough for the Sox to take advantage of the inexperienced Bradish.
The over/under is low enough at 8.5 runs to take a stab with two teams that just combined for 25 runs. Friday’s game was the fifth this season the teams have combined for 10 or more runs.
