The Baltimore Orioles return to Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for a 6:35 PM ET first pitch against the Cleveland Guardians. With September baseball in full swing and the regular season racing toward its conclusion, every game carries real weight. Shane Baz gets the ball for Baltimore, squaring off against Cleveland left-hander Foster Griffin in a matchup that gives the Orioles a legitimate opportunity to add a quality win at home. Catch it on MASN or tune in on WBAL 1090 AM if you're on the road.
Starting Pitchers: Shane Baz vs. Foster Griffin
Shane Baz draws the start for the O's, and this is a name worth watching in the second half of the season. Baz has the stuff to keep a lineup quiet — a lively fastball and enough secondary pitches to make opposing hitters uncomfortable. The key for him Wednesday will be efficiency and command. If he can work deep into the game and limit Cleveland's ability to get runners on base early, Baltimore's lineup should have every chance to do the rest.
Foster Griffin gets the call for the Guardians. Griffin is a left-hander who has carved out a role in Cleveland's pitching staff, and the Orioles will need to be disciplined against him. Left-handed starters can disrupt Baltimore's rhythm if the lineup isn't patient and willing to work counts. Expect the O's coaching staff to have a plan to get into Cleveland's bullpen as early as possible.
Keys to Watch Wednesday Night
- Baz's command: If Baz can limit walks and keep the ball in the ballpark, Baltimore's defense at Camden Yards gives him a real shot at a quality start.
- Orioles' plate discipline: Griffin will likely work with deception and changing eye levels. The Orioles need to stay patient and not chase early in counts.
- Bullpen depth: September rosters are expanded, and both clubs have options out of the 'pen. How each manager deploys those arms in the middle innings could decide the game.
- Camden Yards crowd: A September home game with playoff implications on the horizon brings energy to Eutaw Street. Home-field atmosphere matters, and this crowd can make a difference.
Prediction
Baltimore gets this one at home. Baz delivers a solid six innings, the Orioles offense strings together enough quality at-bats against Griffin to build a lead, and the bullpen slams the door. Camden Yards in September is a tough place for opposing teams to come in and steal a win. Orioles 4, Guardians 2.
