Game Preview: Baltimore Orioles (40-34) vs. Cleveland Indians (33-40)

In the final game of the three set against the Cleveland Indians, the surging O's look to pick up the sweep at home while building upon their three game winning streak (have won 17 of last 22). The Indians hope to perceiver against a offensively tenacious Orioles squad to avoid the sweep while simultaneous trying to climb out of the deep hole in their Al Central division (The Indians are 11 games back of the first place Kansas City Royals).

What O's need to do to win:

Attack early and often. Although the Orioles have never faced 30-year major league rookie Toru Murata, they need to startle this pitcher early to have a chance to chase him in the opening innings. Luckily, the Orioles specialize at grinding down pitchers as they can force the opposition to make a great pitch in order to get a well deserved out.

What Indians need to do to win:

Similarly, the Indians will have to attack Tillman from the opening pitch if they hope to score some runs. Tillman has proven to be inept as a starting pitcher and can give up runs in a hurry if he loses his rhythm. If the Indians fail to score within the first third in the game, their chances at stealing a win on the road will drop dramatically as Tillman tends to settle in as the game wears on.

Final Verdict.

While this game may not be as defensive minded as the previous one, it will undoubtedly showcase the capabilities of an Orioles offense that has deflated the morale of several ball clubs throughout the month of June. Although the Indians have a relatively decent chance at avoiding the sweep, their decision to introduce a major league rookie will ultimately be their undoing. Final Score: O's 8 Indians 6