Weekend baseball: Orioles, Nats hit the road again

Baltimore's Offensive Firepower Shines Again

The Orioles rolled into Baltimore on a high note after dismantling the White Sox, and now they turn their attention to the Giants for a pivotal three-game series at Camden Yards. Taylor Ward continued his torrid start, going 4-for-5 with 2 RBI, including the game-winning run, as Baltimore secured a 5-3 victory. The pitching staff, led by Kyle Bradish, stifled Chicago’s bats just enough to snap a tight contest.

With San Francisco arriving Friday sporting losing records on both sides, the Orioles have a golden opportunity to pad their lead in the division before the rest of the pack catches up.

Nationals Look to Rebound Against Brewers' Hot Start

While the Orioles flex their muscles, the Nationals are on the road in Milwaukee for a weekend tilt against the Brewers—a team that’s already played a dozen games. Washington’s recent trip to the West Coast was brutal, dropping five of six as the Dodgers and Cardinals took turns humiliating them.

Yet, in the midst of the slump, Joey Wiemer has emerged as a revelation, smashing four extra-base hits in April while hitting like he forgot his season batting average was .218. The Brewers, however, counter with Chad Patrick, who has been nearly unhittable in his first four starts, allowing zero earned runs in 9 1/3 innings. Washington will need more than just Wiemer’s hot bat to escape Milwaukee with a win.

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Opening Day Aces Take the Mound Friday Night

The stakes rise as both teams trot out their Opening Day starters in a battle of aces.

• Baltimore’s Shane Baz (1-1, 8 ER in 13 IP) will look to silence any doubts about his ability to anchor the rotation.
• San Francisco’s Landon Roupp (0-1, 4 ER in 12 IP) has been sharper, but a 3-BB in his last outing shows early struggles with command.

Pitching may dictate these games more than the big bats.

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Brewers vs. Nationals: A Tale of Two Mound Clashes

The Brewers and Nationals square off in a three-game set immediately after Baltimore’s opener.

• Milwaukee’s Chad Patrick (1-0, 0 ER in 9 1/3 IP) has been dominant, while
• Washington’s Jake Irvin (0-2, 8 ER in 6 IP) has been lit up in back-to-back starts.

One of these teams will leave Milwaukee feeling far better about their April fate by Sunday night.