The Baltimore Orioles return to Camden Yards on Tuesday, July 7 for a 6:35 PM ET matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Shane Baz gets the ball for Baltimore, squaring off against left-hander Matthew Boyd. It is a mid-summer interleague contest that gives the Orioles a chance to build momentum at home, and with the heart of the regular season in full swing, every game in the win column matters. Catch it on MASN locally or tune in on 104.3 The Score and WBAL 1090 AM.
Probable Pitchers: Shane Baz vs. Matthew Boyd
Shane Baz draws the start for the Orioles. The right-hander has had an up-and-down journey through the early part of his career, dealing with injury setbacks that have limited his availability at the big-league level. When healthy, Baz has shown the kind of arm talent that made him a highly regarded prospect — a lively fastball and a sharp breaking ball that can miss bats at any level. The opportunity to anchor a home start at Camden Yards is exactly the kind of assignment that can define a pitcher's role going forward in Baltimore's rotation picture.
Matthew Boyd takes the hill for Chicago. The veteran left-hander brings experience and a mix that relies heavily on pitch sequencing and location. Boyd has moved through several organizations and knows how to work through a lineup without overpowering hitters. He will look to exploit any holes in the Baltimore lineup and keep the Cubs in the game deep enough for their bullpen to take over.
Keys to Watch
- Baz's command: If Baz can locate his fastball early in counts and get ahead of Cubs hitters, he has the stuff to post a quality start. Walks and deep counts will be the thing to monitor.
- Baltimore's lineup vs. a left-hander: Boyd's left-handed profile will test how the Orioles construct and deploy their lineup. Watch for how Baltimore's right-handed hitters approach Boyd's arsenal.
- Bullpen management: For both clubs, how managers deploy their relief corps in the middle innings could determine the outcome as much as the starters do.
- Camden Yards crowd energy: Home games in July carry real weight. The Orioles have shown the ability to feed off a live crowd at Camden Yards, and a Tuesday night crowd that shows up ready can shift momentum in tight situations.
Prediction
This one feels like it could be a low-scoring affair given the pitching matchup on paper. Boyd keeps games close, and if Baz is on with his command, Baltimore's lineup will need to find its lanes against a crafty lefty. The Orioles get the edge at home — call it a 4-2 Baltimore win, with Baz going five-plus innings and the bullpen closing it out. Camden Yards gets a victory on a Tuesday night in July.
