The Baltimore Orioles (4-6) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (5-5) are set to kick off a three-game interleague series on Monday night at Chase Field in Phoenix, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high for both sides looking to gain momentum early in the season.
This matchup marks the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2025 season, following their competitive series last year where the Orioles edged the Diamondbacks 2-1. Despite losing the series, Arizona outscored Baltimore 15-11, highlighted by a dominant 9-2 victory in the finale at Camden Yards.
The Orioles come into this game after a tough weekend where they dropped two of three games against the Kansas City Royals. Their most recent outing ended in a 4-1 defeat on Sunday, where the Royals capitalized early, scoring three runs in the first inning. The Orioles managed just five hits in that game, with first baseman Ryan Mountcastle providing a glimmer of hope by recording three of those hits, including his first triple of the season.
On the other side, the Diamondbacks are looking to bounce back after finishing a six-game road trip to the East Coast with a 3-3 record. They fell short in their last game against the Washington Nationals, losing 5-4. However, right fielder Corbin Carroll shone in that series finale, collecting three hits and narrowly missing a cycle.
As the teams prepare for the opener, the spotlight will be on the starting pitchers. The Orioles will send right-hander Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.75 ERA) to the mound, while the Diamondbacks will counter with their ace, Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.38 ERA). Eflin has shown promise this season, boasting a 0.92 WHIP and a solid strikeout rate, but he faced a setback in his last start, allowing three earned runs over six innings in a home loss to the Boston Red Sox.
Gallen, meanwhile, is coming off a stellar performance where he struck out 13 batters over 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the New York Yankees. His ability to limit walks and induce weak contact has made him a formidable opponent, and he will look to build on that success against the Orioles.
The betting odds for the game, as provided by BetMGM Sportsbook, reflect the competitive nature of the matchup. The Orioles are listed at +105 on the moneyline, while the Diamondbacks are favored at -125. The over/under for the game is set at 8.5 runs, a figure that analysts suggest may lean towards the under given the recent struggles of Baltimore's offense.
Recent trends show that the Orioles have struggled offensively, averaging just three runs per game over their last five outings. This includes three games where they scored two or fewer runs, which raises concerns about their ability to generate consistent offense against a quality pitcher like Gallen.
In contrast, the Diamondbacks have been a more potent offensive team, ranking fifth in the majors with a .800 OPS. Their ability to hit for power and maintain a disciplined approach at the plate could pose significant challenges for Eflin, who has shown vulnerability against teams that capitalize on fly balls.
Injury news also looms over the Diamondbacks as they await updates on star second baseman Ketel Marte, who has been sidelined with a strained left hamstring. Marte has been on the 10-day injured list since April 5, and manager Torey Lovullo expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, "We’re going to remain optimistic... He assured me that he was going to do all he could to remain positive as well."
As the series begins, both teams have their eyes set on establishing a winning streak. The Orioles are looking to turn their recent struggles around and capitalize on their previous success against Arizona, while the Diamondbacks aim to assert themselves in a competitive NL West. With both teams eager for a win, fans can expect an exciting matchup under the lights at Chase Field.
Looking ahead, the series will continue with games on Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring matchups that could further define the early season for both teams. The Orioles will need to rally their offense and get back on track, while the Diamondbacks will look to build on their strengths and capitalize on any weaknesses displayed by Baltimore.
In conclusion, as the Orioles and Diamondbacks face off in this interleague series opener, the excitement is palpable. Both teams have a lot to prove, and with the stakes high, fans can expect a thrilling night of baseball.
