Orioles at Diamondbacks
The Baltimore Orioles attempt to win for the fifth time in seven contests when they conclude their three-game set against the host Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon. The Orioles, who belted three homers in Tuesday's 7-2 victory, are looking for their second straight series win.
Dwight Smith Jr. launched a three-run blast, Anthony Santander hit a two-run shot and Renato Nunez also went deep as Baltimore leapfrogged past Detroit to escape the major-league basement. Nunez has hit three of hit team-leading 24 homers over the last four contests, including both games of the series with Arizona. The Diamondbacks have lost four of their last six contests and fallen three games behind St. Louis for the National League's second wild-card berth. All-Star Ketel Marte struck out twice in four hitless at-bats on Tuesday after recording five straight two-hit performances.
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles LH John Means (8-5, 2.95 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Taylor Clarke (2-3, 6.50)
Means produced a strong effort while beating Boston in his last outing as he gave up two runs and four hits over six innings. The 26-year-old rookie All-Star has served up five homers over his last three appearances after giving up just eight over his first 17. Means is 2-3 with a 3.52 ERA over eight road games (six starts).
Clarke allowed four runs and seven hits over 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee in his last turn. The 26-year-old has worked fewer than four frames in five of his last eight starts, allowing 10 home runs in that span. Clarke is 1-1 with a 5.90 ERA in seven home games (six starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks RF Adam Jones was hitless in four at-bats on Tuesday after going 3-for-4 against his former team in the series opener.
2. Baltimore DH Mark Trumbo (knee) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and went 1-for-4.
3. Arizona LF David Peralta (shoulder) could return to the club by the weekend.