First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
Television: MASN / MASN2
A Beltway rivalry matchup takes center stage Thursday night as the Baltimore Orioles (20–24) travel to Nationals Park to face the Washington Nationals (21–23). Both teams sit just below .500 and are fighting to stay relevant in their respective division races. The pitching matchup is compelling: Baltimore sends electric right‑hander Shane Baz, while Washington counters with command‑driven veteran Zach Littell.
WEATHER REPORT — WASHINGTON, D.C.
Forecast at First Pitch:
- Temperature: 69°F
- Wind: 7–10 mph blowing out to right‑center
- Humidity: 55%
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Conditions: Slightly hitter‑friendly breeze, but overall neutral
Weather gives a mild boost to left‑handed power hitters — something both teams have.
INJURY REPORT
Baltimore Orioles
- C Adley Rutschman — Probable (quad tightness) Expected to start; key to Baltimore’s offensive rhythm.
- OF Anthony Santander — Questionable (wrist) Game‑time decision; major power loss if unavailable.
- RP Yennier Cano — Out (shoulder) Late‑inning bullpen depth weakened.
Washington Nationals
- SS CJ Abrams — Probable (hamstring) Expected to play; essential to Washington’s speed game.
- 1B Joey Meneses — Out (oblique) Reduces middle‑of‑order thump.
- RP Hunter Harvey — Out (elbow) Nationals’ bullpen lacks a true setup man.
TEAM FORM & MOMENTUM
Baltimore Orioles (20–24)
- Last 10 Games: 4–6
- Runs/Game: 4.4
- Runs Allowed/Game: 4.9
- Trend: Inconsistent offense, rotation stabilizing, bullpen shaky.
- Identity: Power bats + young, volatile pitching.
Washington Nationals (21–23)
- Last 10 Games: 5–5
- Runs/Game: 4.1
- Runs Allowed/Game: 4.5
- Trend: Competitive but streaky; bullpen issues late.
- Identity: Contact‑oriented lineup + aggressive baserunning.
STARTING PITCHER BREAKDOWN
Shane Baz — RHP, Orioles
- 2026 Stats: 3.48 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 62 K in 54 IP
- Road ERA: 3.15
- Pitch Mix: Upper‑90s fastball, wipeout slider, curveball, changeup
- Strengths: Elite swing‑and‑miss stuff, dominant vs. righties
- Weaknesses: Command lapses, vulnerable to left‑handed power
Matchup Notes: Washington’s lineup is lefty‑leaning, but Baz’s slider is a nightmare for their right‑handed hitters.
Zach Littell — RHP, Nationals
- 2026 Stats: 3.82 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 39 K in 51 IP
- Home ERA: 3.40
- Pitch Mix: Cutter, sinker, slider, changeup
- Strengths: Command, soft contact, ground‑ball tendencies
- Weaknesses: Limited strikeout ability, struggles vs. patient lineups
Matchup Notes: Baltimore’s left‑handed bats (Henderson, O’Hearn, Mullins) match up well against Littell’s cutter/sinker mix.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Gunnar Henderson vs. Zach Littell
Henderson crushes cutters and elevated sinkers — Littell must avoid the inner half. Advantage: Baltimore
2. CJ Abrams vs. Shane Baz
Abrams’ speed is a weapon, but Baz’s slider neutralizes free‑swingers. Advantage: Baltimore
3. Ryan Mountcastle vs. Littell’s Cutter
Mountcastle hits well vs. command pitchers but struggles vs. sliders. Advantage: Even
4. Lane Thomas vs. Baz’s Fastball
Thomas handles velocity well but struggles vs. elite breaking balls. Advantage: Baltimore
SERIES HISTORY
- 2025 Season: Orioles won 3–1
- Last 10 Meetings: Orioles lead 7–3
- At Nationals Park: Orioles have won 4 of last 6
Baltimore has consistently controlled this matchup in recent seasons.
BETTING TRENDS
Baltimore Orioles
- 4–1 in Baz’s last 5 starts
- 5 straight road games have gone Under
- 6–3 vs. NL teams in last 9
Washington Nationals
- 6–4 in last 10 home games
- 3–2 in Littell’s last 5 starts
- Overs hit in 4 of last 6 games
Matchup Trends
- Orioles have scored 4+ runs in 7 of last 10 vs. Washington
- Under is 5–2 in last 7 meetings at Nationals Park
GAME ODDS
Baltimore Orioles – 135
Washington Nationals 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 14, 2026
