Two groups which have become shock playoff contenders start the second half by dealing with each other.

The Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles will launch a three-game collection Friday evening in Baltimore

The Orioles gained their closing 5 video games earlier than the break following a 1-6 stretch

“Hopefully, we are able to begin the second half on the proper observe,” Orioles supervisor Brandon Hyde mentioned

Baltimore has added first baseman Ryan Mountcastle again to the combo. He was away from the group for a month whereas coping with vertigo.

Mountcastle delivered a pinch-hit, RBI single in his return to the Orioles on Sunday at Minnesota

“This feels just like the longest I’ve ever gone with out taking part in, and it wasn’t enjoyable in any respect,” Mountcastle mentioned. “Simply pleased to be again and to really feel like a standard human once more.”

Mountcastle slugged 55 residence runs throughout 2021 and 2022, however he could be coming off the bench for the quick time period.

“In the event you have a look at our bench every day, there are actually good gamers,” Hyde mentioned. “… I am actually enthusiastic about that depth that we’ve got as a result of we’ll want it.”

First baseman Ryan O’Hearn turned out to be a key contributor throughout Mountcastle’s absence. He has posted a .302 batting common with seven residence runs in 46 video games.

“If O’Hearn retains doing what he is doing, I am not going to be taking him out,” Hyde mentioned.

Miami had a memorable first half. Its 53 wins marked probably the most getting into the All-Star break in group historical past.

The Marlins are winners of 5 of their final seven video games. Take away a three-game sweep by the hands of the baseball-best Atlanta Braves, and Miami has racked up 10 wins in a 12-game span

“I am happy with the fellows stepping up once we had accidents early on and discovered their roles and be OK with every part we have given them,” supervisor Skip Schumaker mentioned. “They’ve grabbed a maintain of it and attacked it and it has been enjoyable to look at them develop.”

The Marlins have acquired a lift from middle fielder Dane Myers, who joined the group for his main league debut earlier this month. He is batting .409 with six runs batted in throughout six video games

“Being right here within the bigs and settled in,” Myers mentioned. “Simply making an attempt to play my sport, have enjoyable, and it is understanding.”

The Marlins maintain an 11-4 report in American League ballparks this 12 months, most just lately sweeping three video games in late June at Boston

Proper-hander Dean Kremer (9-4, 4.78 ERA) goes to the mound for the Orioles. He had one in all his handiest outings in his final sport by defeating the New York Yankees on July 5, permitting one earned run with 10 strikeouts in seven innings

Baltimore has gained 4 of the final 5 video games began by Kremer, who has by no means confronted Miami.

The Marlins can have right-hander Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 4.72 ERA) as their beginning pitcher. Miami has gained solely one in all his final 4 begins, however he logged 6 2/3 robust innings by giving up just one run final Friday in opposition to the Philadelphia Phillies

Alcantara gained his solely profession look in opposition to Baltimore, permitting three runs in six innings of a 2021 sport at Baltimore. Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays homered off Alcantara in that sport.

–Subject Stage Media