On a lively Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles prepare to host the Los Angeles Angels in a matchup that promises plenty of intrigue despite both teams struggling to find consistent success this season. The game, scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eastern and exclusively streamed on Apple TV+, pits two clubs with similar pitching woes against each other but with hopes that their offenses can ignite and tilt the balance.
The Angels, sitting just below .500 with a 33-34 record, have shown flashes of potential this season. After a rocky start that saw them eight games under .500 in mid-May, they've clawed back impressively, highlighted by an eight-game winning streak earlier this month. However, that momentum has been tempered by a recent five-game losing skid, underscoring the streaky nature of their campaign. Still, the Halos have managed to win seven of their last ten games, hitting 13 home runs in that span and averaging 5.2 runs per contest. Their 18-18 road record reflects a team capable of competing away from home, and they enter this series tied with the Seattle Mariners and just 4.5 games behind the American League West-leading Houston Astros.
On the mound for the Angels tonight is right-hander Jack Kochanowicz, making his 14th start of the season. Kochanowicz, who holds a 3-7 record with a 5.61 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 67.1 innings pitched, has been a mixed bag for Los Angeles. Notably, he has surrendered exactly four earned runs in each of his last four outings, a consistency that unfortunately leans more toward the unfavorable side. Still, the Angels’ bullpen has been a bright spot recently, posting a 3.12 ERA in the last week, with veteran closer Kenley Jansen leading the charge with 14 saves. Offensively, the Angels boast a lineup featuring potent bats such as Taylor Ward, who leads the team with 18 home runs and 46 RBIs, though he’s currently in a slump with no hits in his last ten at-bats. Jo Adell has been one of the hottest hitters, crushing six homers in his last ten games and driving in ten runs, while Zach Neto has been quietly effective, batting .281 with ten home runs and 26 RBIs.
Adding extra excitement to the Angels’ side is the potential debut of top prospect Christian Moore. The 22-year-old second baseman, a former No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 MLB amateur draft out of Tennessee, has been tearing through the Angels’ minor league system. Since his mid-season promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake City, Moore has hit an impressive .350 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 20 games. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, Moore’s power-hitting ability could provide a fresh spark to an offense eager to break out against Baltimore’s pitching staff.
The Orioles, meanwhile, enter this game with a 27-40 record, sitting near the bottom of the American League East but clinging to the best last-place record in baseball. Baltimore has won six of their last ten games, though recent form has been inconsistent, with four losses in their last six contests, including two setbacks in a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Their offense has shown some life, tallying 12 home runs in the last ten games and outscoring opponents by nine runs during that stretch. However, the team’s home record remains a concern at 13-19, one of the worst in the league.
Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton is set to take the mound for Baltimore. The 39-year-old has had a challenging season, holding a 2-7 record with a 6.59 ERA and 57 strikeouts over 56 innings. Morton's control has been an issue, having issued 31 walks, and his recent outing was rough, lasting just 2.1 innings while giving up four earned runs against the Athletics. Nevertheless, the Orioles have won all three of his last starts, suggesting that when the offense supports him, he can still be effective. Morton’s veteran presence will be key as Baltimore looks to stabilize its pitching rotation.
The Orioles’ lineup features promising young talent and some established contributors. Ryan O’Hearn leads the team with a .307 batting average, nine home runs, and 26 RBIs. Cedric Mullins has been a consistent power threat with ten home runs and 32 RBIs, and Gunnar Henderson continues to impress, batting .274 with 12 doubles, two triples, and eight homers. Henderson comes into the series riding a five-game hitting streak, batting an impressive .474 during that span. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore’s catcher and designated hitter, has struggled with consistency this year but has managed seven home runs and 19 RBIs, bringing a potent bat to the middle of the lineup.
The Orioles’ bullpen presents a mixed picture. While the unit has allowed a 4.91 ERA over the last four games, it still features dominant arms like Felix Bautista and Gregory Soto, who have been crucial in high-leverage situations. Baltimore’s ability to hold leads late will be vital against an Angels team with a dangerous lineup.
This Friday night showdown is part of the MLB’s “Friday Night Baseball” series, with Apple TV+ offering exclusive streaming access. Fans can catch the game live with a seven-day free trial before deciding whether to subscribe for $9.99 per month. The broadcast team includes Wayne Randazzo on play-by-play, Dontrelle Willis as analyst, and field reports from Heidi Watney.
Looking ahead, this game kicks off a three-game series between the two teams, with Saturday’s game featuring Tomoyuki Sugano for the Orioles against Tyler Anderson for the Angels, followed by Sunday’s matchup with Cade Povich facing Yusei Kikuchi. Both teams will be eager to gain ground in their respective divisions, making every game critical.
Ultimately, the Orioles and Angels face off with much at stake despite their struggles. Both teams are working to find consistency and build momentum as the season progresses. With Morton and Kochanowicz on the mound, and the potential debut of Christian Moore adding intrigue, Friday night’s contest promises to be a compelling battle of pitching and hitting at Camden Yards.
