Orioles vs Reds Preview: Week 67 Showdown Sunday

The Orioles arrive in Cincinnati riding some real momentum. They've won their last two games, including a massive 8-5 victory yesterday where they exploded for four runs in the fourth inning. Brent Basallo launched a three-run homer, and Adley Rutschman doubled in two more runs. The Reds managed only five runs across two games in this series, which tells you everything about Baltimore's pitching shutdown. Cincinnati sits at 40-47 with just one win in their last ten games. You can feel the difference between these two teams right now.

Kyle Bradish gets the ball for Baltimore on Sunday. He's one of the team's most reliable arms, and the Orioles need that consistency as they push back into contention. The pitching staff is everything to this young team, especially with injuries sidelining some key arms. Ryan Helsley's elbow problem forces the Reds to find new closer options. Bradish has to keep Cincinnati's bats quiet early. One strong outing from him changes everything about how this game unfolds.

Nick Lodolo takes the mound for Cincinnati with a 5.02 ERA this season. That number shows the Reds' ace is searching for consistency. Yesterday's loss marked Cincinnati's third tough defeat in the last four games. Lodolo needs to be sharp against a Baltimore lineup that just pummeled the Reds' pitching staff. If he can get deep into the game without surrendering big innings, Cincinnati has a real chance to bounce back. The home crowd at Great American Ball Park will be ready to push him forward.