Sunday afternoon Orioles game thread: at Pirates, 1:35
Chris Bassitt and the Orioles aim to avoid a sweep by the Pirates.
Mar 30, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) looks on during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr. -Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.
-Imagn Images The vibes in Birdland right now are…not great. It’s only been eight games, but so far the Orioles look discouragingly similar to the flawed, frustrating team of 2025 that was out of contention by Memorial Day. Their starting pitching has underwhelmed and has already lost a key member, likely for the season.
Their offense has too often lacked the big hit. Their defense and bullpen have been as bad as feared. It’s not a good combination.
Now the O’s are in danger of being swept by the Pirates in their first road series of the year. As last year’s Orioles demonstrated, a slow start to the season can easily spiral into something worse, so it would behoove the Birds to turn things around sooner rather than later. Maybe today will be the day.