The Baltimore Orioles make the trip to Citi Field on Tuesday, September 15, for a 7:10 PM ET regular-season showdown against the New York Mets. Shane Baz takes the ball for Baltimore against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea in a matchup that puts two pitching staffs to the test in the stretch run. Catch the game on MASN or WBAL 1090 AM if you're making the drive up I-95.

Pitching Matchup: Shane Baz vs. Sean Manaea

Baz gets the start for the O's, and this is one of those outings worth locking in on. The right-hander has the stuff to keep a dangerous Mets lineup off balance, but executing against a lineup that runs Lindor, Soto, and Bichette through the heart of the order is no small ask. Manaea, a crafty veteran, will try to exploit any holes in a Baltimore offense that has some interesting construction to it tonight.

Orioles Lineup at Citi Field

• Rece Hinds, LF
• Pete Alonso, 1B
• Coby Mayo, DH
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B
• Gunnar Henderson, SS
• Jeremiah Jackson, 2B
• Yohel Pozo, C
• Leody Taveras, RF
• Colton Cowser, CF

Baltimore's lineup has some real intrigue to it. Pete Alonso hitting second is a statement — you're putting your best power bat in a position to see quality pitches early and drive in Hinds if he gets on. Coby Mayo slots third, and this is a big spot for the young designated hitter to make an impact against a seasoned arm like Manaea. Gunnar Henderson hitting fifth is the kind of lineup decision that raises an eyebrow, but get him to the plate enough times and it doesn't matter where he hits.

Mets Lineup Baltimore Must Contain

• Francisco Lindor, SS
• Juan Soto, LF
• Bo Bichette, 3B
• Carson Benge, RF
• Jared Young, 1B
• Marcus Semien, 2B
• A.J. Ewing, CF
• Brett Baty, DH
• Francisco Alvarez, C

This is a Mets lineup Baz has to respect from top to bottom. Lindor is a handful at the top. Soto batting second is the kind of luxury most teams don't have. Bichette at third gives New York a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat even before you get to the cleanup spot. Baz's ability to work through that top three without significant damage will go a long way toward determining the outcome of this game.

Keys to Watch Tuesday Night

• How Baz handles the Lindor-Soto-Bichette stretch in the Mets order — that's where this game could get away from Baltimore early.
• Whether Alonso and Mayo can do damage against Manaea. The Orioles need production out of their middle of the order to stay competitive.
• Henderson anywhere in the lineup is a threat. If he gets good pitches to hit, bad things happen for New York.
• Bullpen management late — if Baz is working deep into the game, knowing when to pull him could be the difference in a one-run situation.

Prediction

This one figures to be a competitive, low-scoring affair. Manaea has the experience to keep Baltimore's lineup in check for stretches, but this Orioles offense has enough firepower — particularly with Alonso and Henderson in the mix — to break through. Baz needs to minimize the damage from Lindor and Soto and keep the Mets from putting up crooked numbers in the middle innings. On the road and facing a capable pitching opponent, Baltimore will need to be sharp. Expect a tight game that comes down to the bullpens. Orioles 4, Mets 3.