Orioles on deck: What to watch Thursday vs. Yankees

Orioles (15-11) vs. New York Yankees (9-16)

Where: Camden Yards

First pitch: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MASN/105.7 The Fan

Starting pitchers: Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.45 ERA) vs. Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (1-0, 2.87 ERA)

What to watch

1. Offensive slowdown. After going on a brief three-game roll, the Orioles offense has again slowed down with just five runs over the past three games. Will they be able to get the bats going to take the rubber match for another American League East series win tonight?

2. Next step for Gausman. Kevin Gausman allowed one run in five innings in his first start of the season and two earned runs in six innings his second start. On top of that, he has posted some of his best career numbers against the Yankees, going 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 games (five starts). Can he help the Orioles bounce back against the Yankees?

3. Tanaka takedown. The only AL East team that has performed better than the Orioles against Masahiro Tanaka is the Boston Red Sox. Tanaka has still been good when facing the Orioles, posting a 3.03 ERA in four career starts. Can the Birds get the best of Tanaka this time?

Orioles lineup

SS Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
RF Mark Trumbo
C  Matt Wieters
LF Hyun Soo Kim
2B Jonathan Schoop
DH Pedro Alvarez
3B Ryan Flaherty