Mariners Face Orioles in Second Matchup as George Kirby Seeks Better Run Support

The Mariners host the Orioles tonight in the second game of their series, with right-hander George Kirby taking the mound against Kyle Bradish. The matchup marks the second meeting between the teams in a week, continuing an intense stretch that has seen the franchises play six times in ten days.

Kirby's Offensive Struggles Continue

Kirby will look to improve his fortunes against Baltimore after receiving minimal support in recent outings. Across his past eight appearances against the Orioles, the right-hander has accumulated just six runs of combined offensive support—a significant disadvantage that has hampered his ability to accumulate wins. In his most recent start against the Orioles last Wednesday, Kirby delivered a solid performance, allowing three runs and six hits while recording 10 strikeouts over six innings at T-Mobile Park. However, the offensive output failed to capitalize on his pitching effectiveness.

Orioles Search for Offensive Consistency

Baltimore enters the game following a 3-1 loss in yesterday's series opener and has dropped three consecutive contests. The Orioles sit at 34-40 overall and 12-21 on the road, positioning them 1.5 games behind third place in their division, 11.5 games out of first place, and 2.5 games back in the Wild Card standings. Despite the recent struggles, the team has maintained an impressive streak: the Orioles have scored at least one run in their first 74 games of the season, the third-longest such streak in franchise history.

Bradish, making his second career appearance at T-Mobile Park, carries a 4.30 ERA with a 1.568 WHIP in 14 starts. The pitcher's recent form has deteriorated after a strong May. In his last outing against the Mariners at Camden Yards, Bradish surrendered five runs and seven hits while recording a career-high three home runs in just four innings. Cole Young, Luke Raley, and Dominic Canzone each hit home runs off him in that game. However, in his only previous appearance at Seattle, Bradish allowed just two runs in six innings.

Roster Adjustments and Lineup Decisions

The Mariners made a roster move before the game, optioning emergency call-up Curtis Washington Jr. back to Triple-A Everett. Infielder and outfielder Connor Joe was recalled to take his place on the active roster. Both teams will field familiar lineups with the Orioles placing Samuel Basallo at designated hitter following a strong rookie season—he recorded his 30th RBI in yesterday's game, doubling his previous 2025 total. His 30 RBIs rank ninth among qualified major league rookies.