Thursdays are rarely one of the more notable days of the week on the MLB schedule, but with teams jockeying for division titles and playoff spots, there are a number of important games on today's schedule, including in Baltimore, where the Orioles open a four-game series with the Houston Astros.
Houston has the AL West locked up, but in addition to seeking their 100th win of the season, tonight could be the night that Justin Verlander all but wraps up his third AL Cy Young Award.
The Astros are also in position to do the Seattle Mariners some favors in this series, as the Mariners are currently four games ahead of the Orioles for the final AL wild-card spot.
Regardless of what Seattle does today against the Oakland A's or this weekend against the Royals, the O's cannot afford to lose this series.