MLB Picks: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

The New York Yankees (28-16) and Baltimore Orioles (23-21) will continue a three-game American League East series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Tuesday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have outscored opponents by a 34-16 margin in the first inning this season

New York has won three games in a row, including a 6-4 come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Orioles as -132 road favorites Monday, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. “Those are the fun ones,” commented Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells. “Those are the ones we cat like little kids in the dugout.” The Yankees are 19-0 when scoring first this season, as they sit atop the AL East standings. It’s still important to note that the club has been outscored 32-14 in the opening frame during the 2013 MLB campaign. New York is 6-3 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the UNDER going 6-3 in that situation.

Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (2-3, 5.88 ERA) suffered a 12-2 home loss in his last outing, as he allowed seven earned runs and six hits over just two-thirds of an inning. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 5.94 ERA in three road starts, with opposing hitters batting .313 against him. In 18 career games (15 starts) versus the Orioles, Hughes has tallied a 6-5 record and 5.47 ERA, including a 5-3 home loss on April 13—giving up five runs and nine hits over three frames.

Baltimore has dropped a season-high six consecutive games, as closer Jim Johnson continues to struggle in the ninth inning. “Three of them are my fault,” commented Johnson after Monday’s loss. The Orioles have been known to start fast offensively, as they’ve outscored opponents by a 34-16 margin in the first half, which could supply MLB handicappers an edge in making a first five innings play on Tuesday’s host. Baltimore is 7-7 as home favorites this season, with the UNDER going 7-6-1 in those 14 opportunities.

Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (2-2, 4.58 ERA) returns to action after going on the 15-day disabled list with a right thumb blister, as he tries to bounce back from a 4-0 road loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his last effort. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in two home outings, surrendering four home runs in just 11.2 combined innings. In three career games versus the Yankees, Gonzalez has tallied a 2-1 record and 2.75 ERA, but suffered a 5-2 road loss on April 12.