The Orioles head to Washington for the latest edition of the “Battle of the Beltways.”
Does the “Battle of the Beltways” move the needle for you? The Yankees still exist, so there’s no need for artificial hatred in my opinion, but go ahead and get up for this one if you so choose.
Baltimore’s matchup against the Nationals should bring the usual MASN dispute stories, quips about Ripken jerseys in the back of the closet, and possibly some Jonathan Papelbon slander if anyone is feeling feisty. It will also bring a pair of top-tier pitching matchups.
The Nationals have surprised many by posting a .500 record through the first 34 games of the season. Bryce Harper and Juan Soto are long gone, but the Nationals are a scrappy bunch led by shortstop CJ Abrams, second baseman Luis García and left fielder Jesse Winker.
The Nationals began the week tied with Cincinnati for the league lead in steals with 57. They rank in the bottom third of baseball in home runs (31), but the Nats fall in the middle of the pack for on-base percentage (.312) and runs scored (142).
Regardless of whether the rivalry moves the needle, the Orioles want as many wins as possible. Washington may have entered the season with low expectations, but these games will not be gimmes for the Birds.
Game 1: Tuesday, May 7, 6:45 pm, MASN/MASN 2
RHP Corbin Burnes (3-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. RHP Trevor Williams (3-0, 2.27 ERA)
The Orioles will trot out their ace Corbin Burnes for the start of the series. Burnes took his first loss last week despite limiting New York to two runs over six innings. It feels like the Orioles should win every game that Burnes starts. That’s what it’s like having an ace on the team, and that’s what it feels like when Burnes takes the mound for Baltimore.
Burnes will square off against a resurgent Trevor Williams. The former Pirate struggled last year during his first season in Washington. Williams posted a 6-10 record and a 5.55 ERA over 144.1 innings. He’s fared much better this season with a 2.27 ERA over six starts.
Williams led the NL with 34 home runs allowed last season, but he has yet to allow a long ball this year. Let’s see what Gunnar and the boy have to say about that.
Williams busted out the magic act last week against the Rangers when he managed to escape two bases-loaded, no-out jams in the same game. The feat had not been accomplished since 2018.
Game 2: Wednesday, May 8, 6:45 pm, MASN/MASN2
RHP Kyle Bradish (0-0, 1.93 ERA) vs. LHP Mitchell Parker (2-1, 2.53 ERA)
Kyle Bradish held the Yankees to one run over 4.2 innings in his return last week. The 27-year-old looked healthy after striking out five, allowing four hits, and walking a pair. Bradish will look to work deeper into the game against Washington, but the bullpen should be ready after a day off yesterday and Burnes starting today.
A healthy Bradish will provide a significant boost to an already impressive rotation. Bradish finished fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting after a breakout 2023, and the Nationals hope to have found a breakout star in Mitchell Parker.
D.C. selected Parker in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. The 24-year-old has only four major-league starts under his belt, but he’s already bested the Dodgers and Astros. Parker took his first loss last week after allowing three runs in 5.1 innings against the Rangers.
Parker went seven strong against Houston, but he failed to complete six innings during his other three starts. Washington’s bullpen holds a 3.81 ERA and 1.420 WHIP this season.