O's game blog: O's host Texas in final game before All-Star break

The Orioles today play host to the Texas Rangers to wrap up a three-game series and an eight-game homestand. It is the final game before the All-Star break, with the All-Star Game set for Tuesday night in Washington.

Texas beat the Orioles 5-4 Friday night, but the Orioles beat the Rangers 1-0 last night. The Orioles (27-69) have played five one-run games on the homestand, winning three and losing two. They are 8-17 in one-run decisions for the season.

The Orioles last night improved to 8-51 when scoring three runs or fewer. They are 4-39 scoring two or fewer and 2-24 scoring one or none.

Texas (41-55) has lost six of eight and nine of its last 12 games. The Rangers are 22-27 on the road. Texas is 12-11 versus the Orioles since 2015. But at Oriole Park, the Rangers have lost five of six and are 5-12 since the 2014 season.

The Orioles' Danny Valencia recorded his 15th multi-hit game of the season Saturday. It was his first since June 27 against Seattle. He went 2-for-3 after entering the game in a 2-for-37 slump.

Third baseman Tim Beckham recorded his eighth multi-hit game. He led off the game for the Orioles with his eighth double of the season. Beckham is hitting .324 (12-for-37) against left-handers.

Shortstop Manny Machado singled in the sixth inning and has now hit safely in 38 of 47 home games, hitting .356. He began Saturday's play third in the majors and second in the American League in home batting average.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop drove in the game's lone run with his sacrifice fly in the sixth. Schoop has hit safely in eight straight games against Texas, batting .438 (14-for-32) during this stretch, and is batting .377 (20-for-53) in 14 July games.

Right-hander Miguel Castro (2-5, 3.04 ERA) gets today start for the Orioles. It's his first start after 38 relief appearances. For the year he's thrown 53 1/3 innings, allowing 43 hits and just two homers with 31 walks and 34 strikeouts. Castro is 1-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 18 home games.

Texas lefty Mike Minor (6-5, 4.56 ERA) gets the start for his club, making his 18th of the 2018 season. In six starts since June 1, Minor is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA and .207 average against. In so doing, he has lowered his ERA from 5.76. Minor is 2-3 with a 6.31 ERA in seven road games and the Rangers are 8-9 in his starts. He has pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief in his career against Baltimore, but today will make his first career start against the Orioles.