The Baltimore Orioles have been battling all season long, trying to get themselves back into playoff position.
That goal got a little clearer when slugger Pete Alonso launched a go-ahead home run into the outfield in the opening game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The dinger was the 30th of the year for the Orioles star, helping his team get a massive victory to open the series.
Alonso has been great for the Orioles this season after signing a large contract to join the team over the offseason. And if he can keep his bat hot down the stretch, Baltimore could be playoff dreaming.
“I don’t care, I just want to win,” Alonso said. “Whatever I can do offensively, defensively, running the bags, doing the little things right, I just want to win ballgames. That’s all it is.”
Pete Alonso Decision Announced vs Rays
But ahead of the second game of the series with Tampa Bay, the Orioles have revealed the lineup that they will use. Within it, Alonso will be hitting second as the designated hitter.
Orioles 8/22
J. Holliday 2B
P. Alonso DH
C. Mayo 1B
T. O’Neill RF
G. Henderson SS
C. Encarnacion-Strand 3B
C. Franklin LF
L. Taveras CF
C. Narváez CB. Young SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 22, 2026
Alonso and the Orioles will be trying to take the series from the Rays today, giving them more confidence heading into the final stretch of games. Tampa Bay is one of the better teams in baseball, so being able to compete with them could do a lot for this Orioles group on the fringe of the playoffs.
Baltimore has won seven of their past eight meetings with the Rays, showing signs of potential dominance.
Can the Orioles Clinch a Playoff Spot?
Coming into the second game of the series, Baltimore holds a record of 60-63 on the season. The team sits in last place in the American League East, but they are in a battle for a wild-card spot.
The Orioles have a lot of work to do the rest of the season, and it’ll be a battle to get into the playoffs. But if this team can put together a few solid series in a row, it could make a big difference.
Having Alonso on the roster could help the case, with the slugger playing a massive role going forward.
“It’s so much fun, to be honest with you,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Obviously, that big blow was impressive, especially how hard he hit it, where he hit it in the pitch location. It’s impressive watching him day in and day out, just with his prep and just as the teammate and person he is.”
Following the series with the Rays, Baltimore will have series against the St. Louis Cardinals and Athletics. Both of these series will be on the road.
How to Watch Orioles vs Rays on Saturday
First pitch for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. PT/7:05 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on MASN, Rays.TV, and in the MLB app.
Orioles Announce Pete Alonso Decision During Crucial Rays Series