As the Baltimore Orioles gear up to host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series, the storyline reflects the struggles both teams have faced this season. While both franchises have experienced their share of setbacks, the contest offers fans a glimpse of potential and a chance to witness a rising star in Paul Skenes, who arguably represents the brightest hope amid the gloom.
Current Standings and Overview
The Orioles and Pirates find themselves at the bottom of their respective divisions, with the Pirates holding a current record of 64-80, one of the seven teams with a worse record than Baltimore. Despite some signs of hope in recent years regarding their prospects, 2025 has not been kind to either team.
Lackluster Offense
One of the most glaring issues for Pittsburgh this season has been its offense, which ranks last in the league for home runs, slugging percentage, and weighted on-base average (wOBA). Unlike teams that depend on power-hitting to drive runs, the Pirates have struggled to make notable offensive contributions. Their center fielder, Oneil Cruz, leads the team with only 19 home runs—a tally that seems almost paltry for a player expected to be a power threat. Other notable players like Spencer Horwitz and Tommy Pham have not fared much better, combining for scant power output.
While there are some positives—like veteran Andrew McCutchen serving as the designated hitter—the overall performance has led to frustration among fans and management alike. McCutchen’s .244 batting average and .726 OPS show that even his contributions haven’t reached the level many would anticipate for a player with his impressive history.
Star Power on the Mound
Nevertheless, while the Pirates’ offense is lacking, their pitching staff has shown promise. Indeed, Paul Skenes has emerged as a likely Cy Young Award contender, boasting an impressive 1.98 ERA across 29 games, a WHIP of 0.936, and a remarkable 7.0 rWAR. His ability to dominate hitters has positioned him as one of baseball’s top talents, making him a must-watch during this series.
Fans and analysts alike will be excited to see Skenes pitch on Wednesday night, especially those who appreciate elite pitching. The Orioles will face a tough challenge as Skenes has not only excelled individually but has also frequently provided the Pirates with much-needed stability.
Pitching Match-ups
The series brings several interesting match-ups that could dictate the outcome. On Tuesday, the Orioles will start Kyle Bradish against Pittsburgh’s Mike Burrows. Bradish has shown signs of brilliance since returning to the rotation on August 26, striking out 15 batters over just 10 innings. His dynamic pitching with a sharp curveball and effective two-seamer offers a compelling narrative.
Conversely, Mike Burrows has shown demeanor as a starter and swingman, posting a 4.08 ERA over 19 games. While not dazzling, Burrows has kept his team competitive and has recently limited scoring opportunities against notable lineups.
Wednesday’s matchup between Tyler Wells and Paul Skenes is particularly intriguing. Wells is making his return after elbow surgery, and while he had a shaky debut, his five-inning performance against San Diego was encouraging. Unfortunately for the Orioles, encountering Skenes may prove a daunting task. With parameters such as ERA leaders and strikeouts, Wells will need to be at his best to minimize damage.
Thursday’s game emphasizes the potential for the Orioles to gain an advantage. Cade Povich is projected to start and must overcome inconsistencies he’s displayed in his last three outings. On the other hand, Johan Oviedo emerges as a less experienced option for the Pirates—providing Baltimore with an opportunity to capitalize.
Opportunities Await
The series serves as an opportunity for the Orioles to take two out of three games and potentially revitalize their season’s narrative. While the long-term prospects look challenging for both teams, a series win could restore confidence for the Orioles heading into the final stretch of the year.
The challenges the Pirates face as they visit Camden Yards could open the door for a late-inning comeback scenario for the O’s. Fans will hope for standout performances, especially from their recently rejuvenated pitching staff.
In conclusion, while the clash between two last-place teams may appear underwhelming on the surface, it possesses many layers of intrigue. The Orioles hope to build momentum while providing fans a chance to witness the extraordinary talent of Paul Skenes, a bright spot amid a turbulent season for the Pirates. This series won’t simply be a battle for wins, but also a quest for identity for both franchises as they close out the year. As such, fans on both sides should plan to tune in for what promises to be an engaging three-game showdown at Camden Yards.
