O's game blog: Dylan Bundy gets start in Boston series opener

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

April 21, 2017, 2:59pm

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The Orioles had a winning home record last year versus every American League East team - except the Boston Red Sox. They went 6-3 at home against New York, 8-2 versus Tampa Bay and 5-4 against Toronto.

But the Orioles went just 2-8 at Camden Yards against the 2016 AL East champion Red Sox. As the clubs open a three-game series here tonight, the Orioles are out to break a six-game home losing streak against Boston. They've been outscored 33-12 in those games.

Since the 2014 season, the Orioles are 13-15 at home against Boston. Going back further, since the 2012 season, the Orioles had a solid record, going 55-41 for a .573 winning percentage in all game versus Boston.

The clubs split two games earlier this month at Fenway Park with the Orioles losing 8-1 in the series opener, but winning the next night 12-5.

Right-hander Dylan Bundy (2-1, 1.86 ERA) tonight makes his fourth start of the year and second versus Boston. Bundy ranks 11th in the AL in ERA and 12th in WHIP (0.98). He has recorded three quality starts in three games.

On April 11, he took the loss at Fenway Park. Over 6 1/3 innings, he gave up seven hits and three runs with two walks and three strikeouts. In eight career games (four starts) versus Boston, he is 1-3 with an ERA of 6.00. In three career home games against Boston, he is 0-2 with an ERA of 8.74, allowing 11 runs over 11 1/3 innings.

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 5.23 ERA) makes his third start of 2017 and second against Baltimore. He was the winning pitcher in that April 11 game, going six innings and allowing four hits and one run with one walk and six strikeouts on 91 pitches. In five career games (two starts) against the Orioles, he is 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA.

Pomeranz went 7-7 with a 2.75 ERA in 16 road starts last year. In 25 career outings (14 starts) against the AL East, he is 5-5 with a 3.35 ERA.

Like the Orioles, Boston has played well in close games, going 7-2 in games decided by one or two runs. The Red Sox have won five of their last six games overall and are 6-3 in the AL East. The Orioles are 8-3 in division games.