MSB Series Preview: Orioles Hit the Road for Critical Three-Game Set Against Reds

The Baltimore Orioles (40-48) head to Great American Ball Park this weekend looking to build on Wednesday’s 6-1 win over the White Sox. Baltimore will face a Cincinnati Reds club (39-46) that has also struggled to find consistency, making this an important series for both teams as they try to climb back into the postseason race.

While neither club has lived up to preseason expectations, both rosters feature plenty of young talent and several dangerous hitters capable of changing a game with one swing.

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Projected Pitching Matchups

Game 1 – Friday, July 3

Brandon Young (BAL) vs. Nick Lodolo (CIN)

Brandon Young

• 6-2
• 3.11 ERA
• 1.30 WHIP
• 72.1 IP

Young has quietly become one of Baltimore’s biggest surprises. The rookie continues to pound the strike zone and has given the Orioles quality starts nearly every time out.

Nick Lodolo

• 2-2
• 5.05 ERA
• 1.47 WHIP
• 51.2 IP

Lodolo’s stuff remains electric, but command has been inconsistent this season. Baltimore will try to force deep counts and capitalize on mistakes.

Edge: Orioles

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Game 2 – Saturday, July 4

Trevor Rogers (BAL) vs. Brady Singer (CIN)

Trevor Rogers

• 5-7
• 4.99 ERA
• 1.31 WHIP

Rogers has shown flashes but has struggled with consistency.

Brady Singer

• 3-7
• 5.12 ERA
• 1.54 WHIP

Singer has battled command issues throughout the season, allowing plenty of baserunners. If Baltimore’s lineup stays patient, this could become a bullpen game early.

Edge: Slight Orioles

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Game 3 – Sunday, July 5

Kyle Bradish (BAL) vs. Rhett Lowder (CIN)

Kyle Bradish

• 5-8
• 3.77 ERA
• 1.45 WHIP
• 93.0 IP

Bradish has looked much more like the Orioles’ ace recently and gives Baltimore an excellent chance to finish the series strong.

Rhett Lowder

• 3-6
• 5.31 ERA
• 1.55 WHIP

The talented young right-hander has had trouble limiting hard contact this season despite possessing premium stuff.

Edge: Orioles

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Baltimore Offensive Leaders

The Orioles continue to receive production from several key bats.

Pete Alonso

• .247 AVG
• 19 HR
• 59 RBI

Alonso remains Baltimore’s primary power threat and can change a game with one swing.

Gunnar Henderson

• 16 HR
• 39 RBI

Henderson’s average has dipped, but his power remains among the club’s best.

Samuel Basallo

• .256
• 12 HR

The rookie continues to establish himself as one of Baltimore’s long-term building blocks.

Adley Rutschman

• .252
• 8 HR
• 43 RBI

Rutschman’s bat has heated up recently after missing time earlier this season.

Blaze Alexander

One of Baltimore’s biggest surprises.

• .306 average

Alexander has become an important piece near the top of the lineup.

Leody Taveras, Taylor Ward, Jeremiah Jackson, and Colton Cowser continue to provide depth throughout the lineup.

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Reds Players to Watch

Spencer Steer

• 16 HR
• 59 RBI

Steer remains Cincinnati’s biggest power threat.

Matt McLain

The talented infielder continues to provide athleticism and extra-base power.

Tyler Stephenson

One of baseball’s better offensive catchers capable of carrying the Reds for stretches.

Elly De La Cruz

Although not among the Reds’ statistical leaders this season, De La Cruz remains one of baseball’s most dynamic players because of his elite speed, power, and ability to create runs in multiple ways.

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Keys to the Series

Win the Starting Pitching Matchups

Baltimore appears to have the advantage in all three projected games. If Young, Rogers, and Bradish pitch to their season numbers, the Orioles should have opportunities to win each contest.

Keep Pete Alonso Hot

Alonso continues to anchor the offense. Great American Ball Park is one of baseball’s most hitter-friendly parks, making this an excellent opportunity for Baltimore’s power hitters.

Contain Cincinnati’s Speed

The Reds love to pressure defenses with aggressive baserunning. Limiting free passes and controlling the running game will be critical.

Bullpen Execution

Both clubs have experienced bullpen inconsistency throughout the season. Late innings could determine this series.

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MSB Take

This feels like one of the Orioles’ most favorable road series of the season. Cincinnati’s rotation has struggled, and Baltimore enters with advantages in two, and arguably all three, projected pitching matchups.

The Orioles also appear to have the deeper lineup at the moment, especially with Pete Alonso providing middle-of-the-order power and several young hitters beginning to settle into consistent roles.

A winning road trip starts here.

Series Prediction

Orioles win the series 2-1.

If Brandon Young and Kyle Bradish pitch the way they have for much of 2026, Baltimore has an excellent chance to leave Cincinnati with another series victory and continue climbing back toward .500.