This is an 8* PUNISHER on the Orioles.

Both teams are off losses. The Orioles lost 4-3 at the Mets, while the Astros fell 4-1 at home to the Red Sox.

Both teams are in intense battles for playoff positioning, but both are scuffling right now.

The bottom line though is that this is a lop-sided starting pitching matchup, and I do indeed expect Orioles' ace Corbin Burnes to "deliver the goods."

Spencer Arrighetti (5-11, 5.20 ERA) is scheduled for the Astros and he's off a shaky start vs. the lowly White Sox, allowing four runs over five innings in what turned out to be a loss. He hasn't been terrible, but he's for sure been at his worst on the road where he's 2-6 with a ballooned 6.14 ERA.

Burnes (12­­-5, 3.10) is off a rare terrible start vs. the Red Sox, allowing eight runs over four innings. Burnes has struggled somewhat for his lofty standards since the All-Star break, but note that he's been at his best at home this season by going 6-3 with a 2.92 ERA so far.

Look for a motivated Burnes to easily outduel his inconsistent counterpart and lay the price with confidence on BALTIMORE.

Good luck, NP