Orioles and Reds lineups

The Orioles are two games above .500 and two behind the Rays for the final wild card spot as they continue their series tonight against the Reds in Cincinnati.

They’ve won four of their last five games, 16 of 21, 21 of 31 and 27 of 41. They’re 16-7 this month. And the schedule remains favorable with an upcoming trip to Arlington, Texas, and a home series against the Pirates.

The Orioles haven’t been above .500 after 100 games since 2016, though the 2017 team exceeded it in August and September before fading.

Last night marked their 23^rd comeback win of the season.

They won’t stop.

Terrin Vavra is in the lineup for the first time after pinch-running last night. He’s the designated hitter.

Trey Mancini is the first baseman, Ramón Urías is the shortstop and Tyler Nevin is at third base. Ryan Mountcastle and Jorge Mateo are on the bench.

Anthony Santander homered last night to tie the game and has a nine-game hitting streak.

Mateo tripled in the seventh inning and is tied for second in the majors with five, one behind Cleveland’s Amed Rosario.

Adley Rutschman has reached base in nine consecutive games. He’s batting second today.

Dean Kremer is working on an extra day of rest tonight. He’s allowed seven runs and 13 hits in his last two starts over 9 1/3 innings since tossing five scoreless against the Angels on July 9.

The Orioles don’t have a quality start in their last 12 games, but their bullpen ERA is 2.99, third-lowest in the majors. The Reds’ have the highest at 5.26.

Baltimore’s run differential has reached zero with 421 runs scored and surrendered.

Tyler Mahle is making his 19^th start tonight. He has a 4.48 ERA and 1.271 WHIP with 107 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings.

Mahle has allowed three runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts. He tossed a complete-game shutout with 12 strikeouts on June 14 in Arizona.

The Reds traded ace Luis Castillo to the Mariners late last night for four prospects: infielders Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, and pitchers Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman C
Trey Mancini 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Austin Hays LF
Rougned Odor 2B
Ramón Urías SS
Terrin Vavra DH
Tyler Nevin 3B

Dean Kremer RHP

For the Reds
Jonathan India 2B
Brandon Drury 3B
Tommy Pham LF
Joey Votto 1B
Mike Moustakas DH
Kyle Farmer SS
Nick Senzel CF
Jake Fraley RF
Michael Popierski C

Tyler Mahle RHP