O's game blog: Homestand begins vs. Twins

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

May 31, 2021, 8:42am

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The Orioles return to Camden Yards today to host the Minnesota Twins in the start of a three-game series and eight-game homestand that will also include the Cleveland Indians and the New York Mets.

The Orioles (17-36) were held to three hits yesterday in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox that extended their losing streak to 13 games. They have lost their past two games by 3-1 scores. The Orioles have lost 17 of 18 and 20 of 22 games. Their road losing streak reached 12 with Sunday's loss.

Right-hander Jorge LÃ³pez (1-6, 5.80 ERA), coming off his first quality start of the year in his last game, takes the mound today for his 11th start. On Wednesday at Minnesota, LÃ³pez allowed four hits and three runs over six innings, throwing 93 pitches in his longest outing of the season.

LÃ³pez, who had an ERA of 7.48 in April, is 0-3 with an ERA of 4.24 in five starts in May. The Orioles are 3-7 in his 10 games this season, going 1-4 in the last five despite him pitching better in May. He has not gotten much run support in his starts. In fact, his 2.00 run support average (10 runs over 45 innings) is the third-lowest among all qualified major league starting pitchers.

LÃ³pez is throwing his fastball 62 percent of the time at an average velocity of 95.4 mph and uses his curveball 23 percent and changeup 11 percent. LÃ³pez ranks in a tie for second on the Orioles in average fastball velocity.

97.1 mph - Tanner Scott
95.4 mph - Dillon Tate, LÃ³pez
94.3 mph - Tyler Wells
93.7 mph - Travis Lakins Sr.

Cedric Mullins leads the O's with 60 hits, is tied for the fourth-most in the American League and tied for eighth-most in the majors. His .296 batting average, .363 OBP, and eight stolen bases also lead the O's, while his 13 doubles and 21 walks are tied for the team lead with Trey Mancini. Mullins is batting .362 (17-for-47) in the first inning and his 17 first inning hits lead the majors.

Minnesota (21-31) will start right-hander JosÃ© BerrÃos (5-2, 3.67 ERA), who got the win versus the Orioles on Tuesday. Over 5 2/3 innings, he allowed seven hits and three runs (one earned) on 106 pitches. The Twins are 6-4 in his starts in 2021.