The Orioles won in the late innings on Friday and can make it 7 straight victories today. Right hander Dean Kramer is on the mound today. After a late start, Kramer pitched surprisingly well over his first five appearances to an ERA of 1.29. Start# 6 did not go as well. He allowed 5 runs in an ugly 5th inning, nearly doubling his ERA. A return to past form, or simply a bad inning?

He faces Angels’ lefty Sandoval, who was also roughed up in his last start, getting beaten early and often. Sandoval was very successful in June, allowing just 6 runs in 4 starts, but there are some warning signs. He consistently allows more hits than is healthy, his walk totals are high, and he is much better at home.

The Angels, with all of their potential offense, just can’t seem to get it together in recent games and have now lost 6 of 7 on this road trip. The management change has not appeared to help. It is hard to have much faith in the Angels at the moment. I like the Oriole’s chances even as an underdog. I expect Kramer to rebound, and have more faith in the Orioles’ offense at the moment. Sandoval appears to dodge too many bullets for my liking. There is also the momentum factor; the Orioles have plenty and the Angels, after a dismal road trip, appear to have none. Take the Orioles to steal this one.