MLB Game Preview: Baltimore Orioles (9-14) vs. Washington Nationals (11-13)

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The Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals are set to conclude their three-game series on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. With the Nationals leading the series 2-0, the Orioles will aim to avoid a sweep and bounce back from their recent struggles.

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Game Details

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 6:45 PM ET
  • Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
  • Broadcast: MLB Network

Team Overview

Baltimore Orioles

  • Record: 9-14 (5th in AL East)
  • Key Players:
    • Cedric Mullins: Leading the team with six home runs and 19 RBIs, Mullins remains a consistent offensive force.
    • Adley Rutschman: After breaking a slump with two hits in Game 2, Rutschman will look to continue his momentum.
    • Cade Povich: The left-handed pitcher will start for Baltimore, carrying a 0-2 record and a 6.38 ERA. Povich has struggled with control, allowing 30 hits and eight walks in 18 1/3 innings this season.

Washington Nationals

  • Record: 11-13 (4th in NL East)
  • Key Players:
    • James Wood: A standout performer, Wood hit his eighth home run of the season in Game 2 and continues to be a key contributor.
    • Luis García: Delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly in the eighth inning of Game 2, showcasing his clutch ability.
    • MacKenzie Gore: The Nationals’ starting pitcher for Game 3, Gore has been impressive with a 2-2 record, 3.41 ERA, and a league-leading 45 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings.

Series Recap

  • Game 1: The Nationals dominated with a 7-0 victory, fueled by strong pitching and timely hitting.
  • Game 2: Washington edged out Baltimore 4-3, with Luis García’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning securing the win. The Orioles stranded 12 runners on base, highlighting their offensive struggles.

Key Matchups

  1. MacKenzie Gore vs. Orioles Offense: Gore’s ability to rack up strikeouts will test Baltimore’s lineup, which has struggled to produce runs consistently.
  2. Cedric Mullins vs. Nationals Pitching: Mullins’ power and speed make him a threat, but he’ll need support from the rest of the lineup to break through Gore’s dominance.
  3. James Wood vs. Orioles Pitching: Wood’s hot bat has been a key factor for Washington, and Baltimore must find a way to contain him.

Game Outlook

The Nationals will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure a series sweep at home. Gore’s strong form on the mound gives Washington a significant advantage, while Baltimore will need a standout performance from Povich and timely hitting from their lineup to stay competitive.

Game Odds

Baltimore Orioles                            9

Washington Nationals                   – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 23, 2025