Orioles Search for Answers as Beltway Rivalry Heats Up
The Baltimore Orioles prepare for this week’s Battle of the Beltways against the Washington Nationals, continuing to search for answers after a disastrous end to their homestand. On Sunday, the Orioles suffered one of the most lopsided losses in franchise history, falling 24-2 to the Cincinnati Reds, a game in which the Baltimore pitching staff was so depleted that utility man Jorge Mateo and backup catcher Gary Sánchez were called upon to pitch the final two innings. The defeat capped off a homestand that saw the Orioles go 4-4 and continues to underscore the team’s ongoing struggles, most notably on the mound. Following the game, manager Brandon Hyde called the loss “embarrassing,” showcasing the sense of urgency as the team sits at 9-12, with only one series win and no winning streak longer than two games so far this season.
A major storyline for the Orioles has been the severe struggles of veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton, who was signed this offseason to bring stability to the rotation and provide a veteran presence. However, Morton has instead posted a 0-5 record with a 10.89 ERA through his first five outings. On Sunday against the Reds, the 41-year-old lasted just two and one-third innings, allowing seven earned runs, raising further questions about the rotation’s reliability. Orioles starters have been shaky, to say the least, outside of Zach Eflin. The group currently holds the league’s worst combined ERA at 6.11 and has consistently struggled to pitch past the fifth inning. With seven pitchers on the IL, Baltimore’s options for shuffling the rotation are limited, making a turnaround from Morton and the rest of the staff all the more vital.
The upcoming series against the Nationals offers the Orioles a chance to reset in a rivalry that has historically favored them, as they currently lead the Beltway Series overall. However, to right the ship, the Orioles will need more than history; they must stabilize their starting pitching and avoid early deficits that have repeatedly put games out of reach for their talent-filled lineup. Offensively, the team has shown flashes, but consistent run support will be crucial against a Nationals squad eager to exploit Baltimore’s weaknesses. As the Orioles begin their road trip against the Nationals and Tigers, the focus will be on resilience and execution, with hopes that a strong showing against their regional rivals can spark the turnaround they desperately need.
