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Baltimore Orioles vs. Cincinnati Reds: 3 things to keep an eye on

By Nate Wardle

Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop hits an sacrifice fly ball scoring a run in the ninth inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop hits an sacrifice fly ball scoring a run in the ninth inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of the ballpark prior to the game of the Philadelphia Phillies against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of the ballpark prior to the game of the Philadelphia Phillies against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Can both pitching staffs keep the ball in the stadium?

The Reds have the sixth-most home runs in baseball with 17, and yes the Orioles are ahead of them with 18.

The Orioles’ pitching has allowed the fewest home runs so far in baseball, seven. The starting rotation has allowed four long balls, while the bullpen has given up three.

The Reds have hit nine of their home runs at home, while the Orioles have hit 13 of theirs on the road.

Add in the fact that Great American Ballpark is a hitter’s park, and it puts a premium on keeping the ball in play.

The Reds projected starting lineup doesn’t bring a lot of power:

C – Tucker Barnhart
1B – Joey Votto
2B – Jose Peraza
3B – Eugenio Suarez
SS – Zack Cozart
LF – Adam Duvall
CF – Billy Hamilton
RF – Scott Schebler / Arismendy Alcantara

Only Votto and Duvall are power hitters in this lineup, although both Peraza and Suarez has some pop as well.

Next: Analyzing the Orioles three losses reveals an even bigger story

The Orioles’ lineup, however, has power from top to bottom. The runs the next three games could come in bunches for the Orioles.

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