The Baltimore Orioles welcome the Kansas City Royals to Camden Yards on Friday, July 10, for a 7:05 PM ET first pitch. Brandon Young gets the ball for Baltimore against Kansas City's Luinder Avila. With a lineup that includes Gunnar Henderson leading off and Pete Alonso hitting cleanup, the O's have the kind of offensive firepower to do damage against an opposing starter. This one is a chance for Baltimore to flex at home, and with Bobby Witt Jr. anchoring Kansas City's order at second, the pitching matchup figures to be tested early.

Probable Pitchers: Brandon Young vs. Luinder Avila

Brandon Young draws the start for the Orioles. ERA and win-loss figures are not available heading into this one, which makes it worth watching closely — Young will need to show he can handle a Kansas City lineup that puts Witt Jr., Jac Caglianone, and veteran Salvador Perez in the heart of the order. For the Royals, Luinder Avila gets the nod. Again, specific numbers aren't in hand, but Avila will face a Baltimore lineup that is built to punish mistakes.

Baltimore Orioles Lineup

• 1. Gunnar Henderson, SS
• 2. Adley Rutschman, C
• 3. Taylor Ward, LF
• 4. Pete Alonso, 1B
• 5. Samuel Basallo, DH
• 6. Dylan Beavers, RF
• 7. Colton Cowser, CF
• 8. Blaze Alexander, 3B
• 9. Jackson Holliday, 2B

Kansas City Royals Lineup

• 1. Carter Jensen, C
• 2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
• 3. Jac Caglianone, RF
• 4. Lane Thomas, CF
• 5. Michael Massey, 2B
• 6. Salvador Perez, 1B
• 7. Josh Rojas, 3B
• 8. Nick Loftin, DH
• 9. Isaac Collins, LF

Keys to Watch at Camden Yards

• Henderson sets the tone: Gunnar Henderson leading off means Young gets a defense-first shortstop who can also start rallies. If Henderson gets on base early and often, Baltimore's offense operates at a different level. Adley Rutschman hitting second only amplifies that.
• Alonso in the cleanup spot: Pete Alonso at cleanup gives this Orioles lineup genuine middle-of-the-order teeth. His ability to drive in runs with runners on base will be one of the central storylines whenever he steps to the plate.
• Witt Jr. is the threat: Bobby Witt Jr. batting second for Kansas City is the biggest individual challenge Young will face. Witt is one of the most dynamic players in the American League, and limiting his damage early is critical for Baltimore's starter.
• Basallo and Beavers as X-factors: Samuel Basallo at DH and Dylan Beavers in right field give the Orioles depth in the middle of the order. Both are players worth monitoring as the season progresses, and performances tonight matter.
• Young's command: With no ERA data available, the biggest question mark heading into this game is simply how Sharp Young looks. His ability to work through Kansas City's lineup will define whether the O's bullpen gets a rest or gets worked.

Prediction

The Orioles have the lineup depth to put up runs against Avila, and Camden Yards should be a factor on a Friday night in July. The key variable is Young — if he can give Baltimore five-plus solid innings and keep Witt Jr. in the ballpark, the offense should do enough. Orioles win, 5-3.

Catch the game on MASN or on the radio at WBAL 1090 AM and 98 Rock 97.9 FM. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM ET.