Orioles lineup for series finale in D.C., Hays homers again

WASHINGTON – Kyle Bradish makes his second start tonight since his reinstatement from the injured list, and the Orioles are attempting to avoid being swept in a regular season series for the first time since May 2022.

The streak of 102 series is on the line.

Bradish allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings Thursday against the Yankees in his 2024 debut. He’s started twice against the Nationals and racked up 14 scoreless innings.

Keibert Ruiz is 3-for-5 against Bradish.

Cedric Mullins moves down to ninth in the lineup tonight against the latest opposing left-handed starter. Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter while James McCann catches.

Jordan Westburg is playing third base and Jorge Mateo is at second. Colton Cowser is the left fielder.

Nationals rookie left-hander Mitchell Parker has registered a 2.53 ERA and 1.078 WHIP in four starts. He hasn’t surrendered a home run in 21 1/3 innings and he’s walked only four batters.

Left-handers are hitting .286/.333/.357 against Parker and right-handers are hitting .212/.232/.231.

Parker’s first-pitch strike percentage has dropped from 72.1 in the first two starts of his career to 55.8 in his last two. He walked none in the first two and four in the next two.

Washington leads the majors with 61 stolen bases, including four last night. The Orioles are tied for 10^th with 27.

The four shutout wins this season are more than the Nationals totaled last summer.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Anthony Santander RF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Jorge Mateo 2B
Colton Cowser LF
James McCann C
Cedric Mullins CF

Kyle Bradish RHP

Austin Hays served as Double-A Bowie’s designated hitter this afternoon in his second injury rehab game and went 2-for-4 with a double and home run. He homered and singled last night and played five innings in left field.

Ryan Long lasted 1 2/3 innings and was charged with four runs and six hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Cameron Weston allowed one run and two hits with four strikeouts in 3 1/3.

Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday night’s game against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

The Orioles’ Sunday, July 14 game against the Yankees at Camden Yards has been moved from 1:35 p.m. to 11:35 a.m. The Sunday, Sept. 8 game against the Rays has moved to noon.