Orioles (70-56) vs. Nationals (73-53)
Where: Nationals Park
First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
TV/Radio: MASN2/105.7 The Fan
Starting pitchers: Orioles RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (5-10, 6.94 ERA) vs. Nationals RHP Max Scherzer (13-7, 3.05 ERA)
What to watch
1. Mismatch: Tonight's series finale pits one of the top pitchers in the National League against the pitcher who had the worst ERA among qualified starters at the time of his removal from the Orioles rotation. The Nationals have Max Scherzer on the mound as they look to avoid a second straight two-game sweep at the hands of the Orioles. Scherzer has the most strikeouts in the NL, the 10th-best ERA and is tied for the fifth-most wins. Ubaldo Jimenez has a 6.94 ERA and has pitched four times since July 8. Will the Orioles get enough out of their offense and Jimenez to win their fourth straight over the Nats?
2. Machado muscle: With four hits Wednesday, Manny Machado continued his August surge and extended his hitting streak to seven games. Machado has ramped up his production of late with 20 RBIs in his past 19 games, during which time he is batting .329/.341/.659 with seven home runs. He had four homers and eight RBIs over his previous 28 games. Does Machado have another big night ahead against Scherzer?
3. One game: The Boston Red Sox already lost Thursday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays face the Los Angeles Angels tonight. An Orioles win and a Blue Jays loss would force a three-way a tie for first in the American League East with 35 games to go. Can the Orioles set up that exciting scenario before beginning a run of 12 straight games against division rivals?
Orioles lineup
CF Adam Jones
LF Steve Pearce
3B Manny Machado
1B Chris Davis
RF Mark Trumbo
2B Jonathan Schoop
C Matt Wieters
SS J.J. Hardy
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez