The Baltimore Orioles are aiming to complete their sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays. The game is scheduled for 6:35pm ET.
Orioles’ Opportunity for a Statement Win
The Orioles haven’t had many opportunities for statement wins in 2026. After a dramatic, extra-inning walk-off winner and a well-rounded victory, tonight offers another chance. The O’s are going for the sweep against the best team in the American League.
Heading into this series, the Orioles were trying to shake off disappointment. A series win over the Tigers was a break from losses to Washington and Tampa Bay. Still, the O’s came into this series against the AL-leading Rays seven games under .500.
While Baltimore will still be below .500 if they complete the sweep tonight, it would be the best sign this season that this team is better than last year’s squad. The O’s already secured their second series win against a team above .500 with last night’s 6-1 victory over Tampa. A win tonight would give them their first sweep over a good team and only their third three-game winning streak of 2026.
Gibson Gets the Nod
Rookie Trey Gibson is attempting to lead the O’s to a statement-making victory. Similar to rookies like Cade Povich and Brandon Young in 2024 and 2025, Gibson has been thrust into a rotation spot more out of necessity than overwhelming readiness. In his first career start in Yankee Stadium, he made it through 4.2 IP, with 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 HR and 2 K. His only other appearance came in relief, pitching the final two innings of a 4-3 loss to the Athletics while allowing one run.
With his sinker and slider, Gibson has shown flashes of having two pitches that he can use to attack major league hitters. He may have to reach deeper into his arsenal tonight. Rays stars Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz all crush sinkers and the latter two also hit well against sliders.
Matz on the Mound for Tampa Bay
Opposing Gibson is veteran left-hander Steven Matz. The almost 35-year-old is enjoying a strong start to his first season in Tampa, allowing 2 or fewer earned runs in six of his eight starts this season. Baltimore has struggled against southpaws this season, ranking 25th against LHPs with a .215 average and 24th with a .347 slugging percentage.
After pitching four innings of one-run ball a week ago against the O’s, Matz has a 3.76 ERA and .248 BAA vs. Baltimore. That record is noticeably worse at Camden Yards, where Matz has a 5.02 ERA and .271 BAA in five appearances. Newest Orioles Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward both have good track records against Matz, as Ward is 1-for-3 with a three-run HR.
The game will be broadcast on MASN/MASN+ and FS1 (National).