Orioles vs. Mariners Game 2 Preview: Baltimore Eyes Fifth Straight Win in Late-Night Matchup
Hope you grabbed a nap this afternoon—because the Baltimore Orioles are back in action tonight for a late Game 2 showdown against the Seattle Mariners, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET. Baltimore looks to stretch its win streak to five games after another strong showing last night.
Are the Orioles Heating Up?
Yes, the Orioles might be good now. They picked up a solid win in Seattle behind Tomoyuki Sugano, who delivered a confident 7-inning, 1-run performance. The 34-year-old righty has unexpectedly become Baltimore’s most reliable starter.
But it’s not just Sugano. Since May 20, the Orioles’ starting rotation owns a remarkable 2.40 ERA, ranking 4th best in MLB during that span. Something’s clicking.
Tonight’s Pitching Matchup: Cade Povich vs. Emerson Hancock
Tonight’s game features the least dominant starter matchup of the series:
- Cade Povich (1-4, 5.29 ERA) – Orioles
- Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.64 ERA) – Mariners
Povich has had an inconsistent rookie campaign. With a -0.3 WAR, 1.53 WHIP, and struggles limiting baserunners, he remains Baltimore’s shakiest rotation arm. That said, his 4.46 FIP suggests he’s been slightly unlucky, and his 9.4 K/9 is tops among O’s starters. In May, he was boom or bust—dominant in two starts, disastrous in two others.
For the Mariners, Hancock has bounced between Triple-A and the majors. Since returning in April, he’s allowed 2 runs or fewer in five of his last eight starts, but his advanced metrics (expected ERA, whiff rate, strikeouts) place him among the league’s bottom 15%. If Baltimore’s offense keeps humming, Hancock could be in trouble.
Orioles Starting Lineup (June 5)
- Jackson Holliday – 2B
- Adley Rutschman – C
- Gunnar Henderson – SS
- Ryan O’Hearn – DH
- Ramón Urías – 3B
- Colton Cowser – CF
- Coby Mayo – 1B
- Heston Kjerstad – RF
- Dylan Carlson – LF
Mariners Starting Lineup
- J.P. Crawford – SS
- Cal Raleigh – DH
- Julio Rodríguez – CF
- Randy Arozarena – LF
- Mitch Garver – C
- Dylan Moore – RF
- Donovan Solano – 1B
- Cole Young – 2B
- Ben Williamson – 3B
Stay tuned to see if the Orioles can keep the momentum rolling and secure another win on the West Coast. Will Povich show his best stuff—or will this turn into a bullpen battle?
