O's game blog: Kevin Gausman pitches season finale

The Orioles (75-86) put a wrap on the 2017 season today at Tropicana Field as they conclude a three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays (79-82).

The Orioles will finish with their first losing record and fewest wins since going 69-93 in 2011. From 2012 through 2016, the Orioles averaged 88.8 wins per year and made the playoffs three times.

But they will miss out this year. They enter today with four straight losses, during which they have been outscored 26-7. The Orioles have lost six of seven and 18 of their past 22 games.

Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman (11-11, 4.81 ERA) will make his team-leading 34th start in today's season finale. Gausman gave up six runs over four innings on Tuesday at Pittsburgh.

Even counting that game, Gausman has had a strong finish to his season. Over his last six starts, he is 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA and three scoreless starts. In his past 13 starts, he is 6-4 with a 2.82 ERA. In those 13 games, he has allowed two earned runs or fewer nine times, with nine quality starts. Gausman has thrown five scoreless starts in the last 12 games.

He has not allowed a run in two starts this season versus Tampa Bay. He is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Over 13 innings he has given up seven hits with five walks, 17 strikeouts and with a 0.92 WHIP. In 13 games (11 starts) in his career, Gausman is 5-4 with a 3.82 ERA against the Rays.

Lefty Blake Snell (4-7, 4.27 ERA) will make his 23rd start for Tampa Bay. Snell gave up four runs and lasted just one inning on Tuesday against the Yankees. He had given up just one run and four hits over 12 innings his two previous starts.

In 10 home starts, Snell is 2-3 with a 3.72 ERA. In 13 second-half starts, he is 4-2 with a 3.84 ERA. He has made one 2017 start against the Orioles. He took the loss on July 24 at Tropicana Field, allowing six hits and three runs over seven innings. In two career starts, he is 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA.

Trey Mancini's Orioles rookie record 17-game hitting streak ended Saturday night when he went 0-for-2 with two walks. Mancini hit .329 during the streak.

Chris Davis is batting .165 (14-for-85) with 38 strikeouts his past 25 games. Austin Hays is 2-for-18 (.111) his last five games. Manny Machado is batting .169 (14-for-83) his last 21 games. Jonathan Schoop has no homers and just one RBI his last 14 games. Mark Trumbo is 1-for-22 (.045) his last eight games.