Rutschman batting leadoff tonight for first time

The Orioles remain 1 ½ games ahead of second-place Tampa Bay as their series continues tonight against the Yankees at Camden Yards.

Anthony Santander hit a walk-off home run last night in a 1-0 win, improving the Orioles’ record to 20-10 in one-run games. Santander stays in right field tonight.

Manager Brandon Hyde is putting another unique spin on his lineup, batting Adley Rutschman first for the first time in the catcher’s major league career.

Rutschman extended his on-base streak to 13 games last night, tying his career high. He leads the club and American League catchers with a .368 OBP.

Gunnar Henderson moves down to second. He’s starting at shortstop, with Ramón Urías at third base.

Colton Cowser is in center field. Ryan Mountcastle is the designated hitter, with Ryan O’Hearn at first base and batting cleanup.

Mountcastle has hit safely in eight of his nine starts since July 15, slashing .345/.406/.552 (10-for-29).

Tyler Wells leads the majors with a 0.99 WHIP but has allowed eight runs and seven hits with six walks over 6 1/3 innings in his last two starts. He’s already made three starts against the Yankees this season and allowed 11 runs and 16 hits in 17 innings.

The Yankees have accounted for seven of the 23 home runs surrendered by Wells.

Aaron Judge, who walked three times last night after his reinstatement from the injured list, is 8-for-19 with a double and three home runs lifetime against Wells. Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-18 with eight strikeouts.

The Orioles have registered five shutouts this season. They’ve won 14 of their last 19 games.

The Orioles have won six of 11 games against the Yankees this season. With one more victory, they will clinch the season series for the first time since 2016 – their last playoff season.

Closer Félix Bautista hasn’t allowed a run since June 24, a span of 14 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

Right-hander Clarke Schmidt is 6-6 with a 4.33 ERA and 1.324 WHIP in 21 games (20 starts). He’s made three starts against the Orioles this season and allowed eight runs and 15 hits in 13 1/3 innings.

Santander is 4-for-9 with a double against Schmidt. Adam Frazier, who’s starting at second base, is 3-for-6 with a double and home run.

For the Orioles
Adley Rutschman C
Gunnar Henderson SS
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Ryan Mountcastle DH
Adam Frazier 2B
Austin Hays LF
Colton Cowser CF
Ramón Urías 3B

Tyler Wells RHP

Tonight’s game airs on FOX at 7:15 p.m.

Steve Melewski is handling the rest of today’s coverage. I’m back on Sunday.