The American East-leading Baltimore Orioles head to the West Coast to take on the Seattle Mariners to begin a three-game series over the weekend. The Orioles continue to pace the American League with the best record and are on pace for their first playoff appearance since 2016. The Mariners are right in the thick of the AL wildcard race with under two months to go in the season. The pitching matchup on Friday night will be Orioles' righty Kyle Gibson (11-6, 4.50) taking on Mariners' righty Luis Castillo (7-7, 3.21). The first pitch is scheduled for 10:10 PM EST.
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The Baltimore Orioles are the class of the American League in 2023 with under two months to go in the season. The Orioles added some pitching depth at the trade deadline and keep winning with a team full of quality players but lacking the star power associated with players from other more notable teams. Baltimore reeled off four straight wins and seven of nine heading into game one of a potential ALCS preview with the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. A rare bullpen meltdown turned a 6-3 lead into a 7-6 loss in the ninth inning. The Orioles followed that with an 8-2 loss on Wednesday night before rebounding with a 5-4 win on Thursday afternoon to avoid being swept for the first time this season. Ryan Mountcastle led the way with a two-run homer.
Mateo making plays ?? pic.twitter.com/9rMz8liW3X
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 9, 2023
The Orioles turn to veteran righty Kyle Gibson on Friday night against the Mariners. Gibson has a team-leading 11 wins to go along with six losses in 24 starts this season including a team-best 13 quality starts. Gibson has allowed 136 hits in 140 innings with an ERA of 4.50. His K/9 rate is 7.5 while his WHIP is 1.28. In his last five starts, Gibson is 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA in his last five starts heading into this one. He is 2-1 in three starts against the AL West this season with an ERA of 4.41.
Key Injuries: Outfielders Cedric Mullins and Aaron Hicks are both out.