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The Giants’ scoreless streak faces a stern test against the Orioles’ surging offense led by Taylor Ward.Today in Pittsburgh
The San Francisco Giants, led by pitcher Landen Roupp, will try to extend their 20-inning scoreless streak when they open a nine-game road trip against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. The Orioles will counter with right-hander Shane Baz, while Baltimore outfielder Taylor Ward looks to continue his hot start at the plate.
Why it matters
This matchup pits two teams heading in opposite directions early in the season. The Giants are looking to build on their recent momentum after a slow start, while the Orioles are hoping to maintain their recent success and get a statement win over one of the National League’s top pitching staffs.
The details
Roupp, who has never faced the Orioles, was brilliant in his season debut but struggled in his last outing. The Giants’ defense let him down in that loss to the Mets. Meanwhile, Ward has been a bright spot for Baltimore, leading the league in doubles and ranking second in batting average. The Orioles are looking to continue their recent success after a rough start to the season.
The Giants open a nine-game road trip on Friday night against the Orioles.Roupp’s last start was on Saturday, when he allowed seven runs (five earned) in 4 2/3 innings against the Mets.Ward has had two four-hit games in his last eight contests.
The players
Landen Roupp
A right-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants who is looking to build on a 20-inning scoreless streak for the team’s pitching staff.
Taylor Ward
An outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles who has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball to start the season, leading the league in doubles and ranking second in batting average.
Tony Vitello
The first-year manager of the San Francisco Giants.
Craig Albernaz
The manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Shane Baz
The right-handed pitcher who will start for the Baltimore Orioles against the Giants.
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What they’re saying
“I definitely think Landen threw better than what the box score says. On defense, we can certainly do better.”
— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager
“It’s a long season. It’s a marathon. There’s going to be ups and downs. No need to panic after a tough series in Pittsburgh. Our guys are keeping their heads down with a one-day approach and every single day show up at the field and continue to get better and compete.”
— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager
“I guess it’s something in the water. It feels good. I’m seeing it well. I think the biggest thing is just trusting my work in the cage and really working on my (bat) path, and make sure I’m behind the ball as long as possible.”
— Taylor Ward
“Just great at-bats. He grinds out at-bats. He makes pitchers work, forces them into the strike zone. Lays off pitches out of the strike zone, and he gets his swing off. It’s been fun to watch.”
— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager
What’s next
The Giants will look to extend their scoreless inning streak to 23 innings when they face the Orioles on Saturday night.
The takeaway
This matchup between the streaking Giants’ pitching staff and the hot-hitting Orioles’ outfielder Taylor Ward will be an intriguing early-season test for both teams as they look to establish themselves in the standings.