Orioles Look to End Losing Streak in Key West Coast Clash with Angels
The Baltimore Orioles head to the West Coast this weekend for a crucial three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, searching for answers after a brutal stretch that has left their season teetering. They arrive in California reeling from a five-game losing streak, capped by a dispiriting 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon. The loss completed a sweep and marked the first time since June 2022 that the Orioles have fallen 10 games below .500. With a 13-23 record, they currently hold the fourth-worst mark in MLB, and the sense of urgency in the clubhouse is palpable as the summer months approach.
The Orioles’ recent struggles have been defined by an offense that has failed to deliver in crucial moments. Over the past 16 games, Baltimore has lost 12 times and scored three or fewer runs in 11 of those contests, a sign of their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Overall, the team’s run production has been anemic, averaging just 3.7 runs per game with a collective batting average of .227, resulting in a staggering -69 run differential. While key injuries have played a role, the lack of timely hitting and a below-average team OPS of .680 have left the Orioles unable to support even their rare strong pitching performances, led by Tomoyuki Sugano and veteran Zach Eflin, who is anticipated to make his return to the mound this weekend following a stint on the IL.
As they prepare to face the Angels, a team that is also struggling with a 15-20 record and a pitching staff that ranks among the league’s worst, the Orioles must find a way to reverse their fortunes. The keys to victory will be simple but challenging: capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially with runners in scoring position, and get more consistency from a pitching staff that owns a 5.50 ERA, which ranks 28th in MLB. With both teams desperate to turn their seasons around, this series represents a pivotal opportunity for Baltimore to regain momentum and keep their postseason hopes alive before the calendar flips to June. The pressure is on the Orioles to respond, as further setbacks could make a summer resurgence nearly impossible.
