Yankees vs Orioles preview: Blazing pinstripes offense rolls into Baltimore to battle AL East rivals

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One month into the 2024 season, the Orioles and New York Yankees have emerged as the frontrunners in the AL East, not just in standings but in early showings of strength. Both teams have kicked off with impressive records: the Orioles at 17-10 and the Yankees at 19-10. As the Orioles host the Yankees for the first of thirteen contests this year, both squads are eager to see how their significant offseason trades play out in direct competition.

Yankees vs Baltimore head-to-head

The storied rivalry between the Yankees and Orioles is one of baseball’s classic showdowns in recent times. In 2283 meetings, the Yankees have dominated with a .597 winning percentage. They’ve scored a total of 11,398 runs against the Orioles and have been particularly strong in Baltimore, boasting a 636-496 record.

• Games played: 2283
• Won by Yankees: 1354
• Lost by Yankees: 915
• Yankees Win-Loss %: .597
• Runs scored by Yankees: 11398
• Runs allowed by Yankees: 9262
• Yankees home record: 718-419
• Yankees away record (in Baltimore): 636-496

Yankees latest news

The Yankees’ lineup is bursting with talent. Juan Soto has been a revelation since joining the team, boasting a .318 average and .997 OPS, with seven homers and 24 RBIs. His ability to get on base consistently has been a game-changer for the Yankees. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo and Anthony Volpe have made significant contributions. Verdugo is hitting .267 with four home runs, while Volpe has shown great promise with a .282 average and three homers. Aaron Judge, despite a somewhat lower average, remains a critical part of the lineup with six home runs and his undeniable presence at the plate.

The team’s recent performance has been particularly strong, scoring 30 runs over two games against Milwaukee. Their offense is clicking at the right time, and they’ve managed to edge ahead of the Orioles in the standings, which adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming series.

Injury updates also paint a hopeful picture: Gerrit Cole is progressing well with his throws, Tommy Kahnle is back throwing live pitches, and Jon Berti is close to returning from his rehab stint. These developments suggest that the Yankees are nearing full strength.

Orioles latest news

The Orioles have had a tough schedule, facing teams with a strong overall winning percentage. Despite this, they’ve performed admirably, highlighted by a sweep against the Red Sox. Their success last season against AL East teams was crucial in their run to the title, and they’re showing similar form this year.

Gunnar Henderson has been spectacular, with a .288 average and nine home runs. His performance last week alone included three homers and seven RBIs. Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle have also been pivotal, with averages over .300 and solid power-hitting. Jordan Westburg has added depth with a .304 average and five home runs. This depth in the lineup gives the Orioles a solid foundation to build upon in this series.

Yankees vs Orioles game 1: April 29th, 6:35 PM ET

The series kicks off with Clarke Schmidt taking the mound for the Yankees against Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez. Both young pitchers have shown flashes of brilliance this season and will be eager to set a positive tone for their teams.

Yankees vs Orioles game 2: April 30th, 6:35 PM ET

Nestor Cortes, looking to rebound from a somewhat up, somewhat down start, will face Dean Kremer, who has had similar struggles.

Yankees vs Orioles game 3: May 1st, 6:35 PM ET

A mismatched pitching matchup sees Luis Gil of the Yankees go up against Corbin Burnes of the Orioles. Burnes has been outstanding with a 3-0 record and a 2.55 ERA, showcasing why he was such a coveted offseason acquisition.

Yankees vs Orioles game 4: May 2nd, 1:05 PM ET

Carlos Rodon, who has been excellent with a 2.48 ERA, will pitch for the Yankees. The Orioles’ starter remains TBD.

Conclusion

As the Yankees roll into Camden Yards, the stage is set for a clash that’s more than just a series; it’s a potential preview of the AL East’s title race. With the Yankees’ bats blazing hot after their explosive performance in Milwaukee and the Orioles proving tough competitors, both teams are eyeing a victory that could set the tone for the rest of the season. The Orioles look to defend their home turf and repeat last year’s divisional success, while the Yankees aim to prove that their lineup can overpower even the staunchest opponents.

Expect fireworks, strategic battles, and perhaps a few surprises as these AL East giants collide. What do you think? Leave your comment below!

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