masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – If the Orioles are going to make a run at another division title, or at least a wild card berth, they need to improve on their 19-31 road record.
They’ll try again tonight in the second game of their series against the Rays.
Manny Machado is batting third again tonight for the Orioles, with David Lough leading off. Chris Davis is batting second as the designated hitter. Ryan Flaherty is starting at first base.
The Orioles lead the majors with 27 outfield assists. Their…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – If the Orioles are going to make a run at another division title, or at least a wild card berth, they need to improve on their 19-31 road record.

They’ll try again tonight in the second game of their series against the Rays.

lough-close-black-swing.jpgManny Machado is batting third again tonight for the Orioles, with David Lough leading off. Chris Davis is batting second as the designated hitter. Ryan Flaherty is starting at first base.

The Orioles lead the majors with 27 outfield assists. Their average with runners in scoring position is down to .284, which still ranks fourth.

For the Orioles
David Lough LF
Chris Davis DH
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Ryan Flaherty 1B
J.J. Hardy SS
Travis Snider RF
Jonathan Schoop 2B

Miguel Gonzalez RHP

For the Rays
Steven Souza, Jr. RF
John Jaso DH
Evan Longoria 3B
James Loney 1B
Logan Forsythe 2B
David DeJesus LF
Tim Beckham SS
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Curt Casali C

Erasmo Ramirez RHP

The Orioles haven’t announced their starters for the three-game series against the Braves that begins Monday at Camden Yards, but their opponent is starting Alex Wood (7-6, 3.78 ERA), Julio Teheran (6-5, 4.49 ERA) and Manny Banuelos, who’s 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA heading into tonight’s game against the Cardinals.

Wood and Banuelos are left-handers. The Orioles also are facing a lefty on Sunday in Tampa Bay’s Matt Moore.