Six days ago, the Orioles’ Brandon Young nearly pitched a perfect game against the Astros. Thursday, he allowed seven runs and left with an injury.

Lance McCullers is slated to take the mound for Houston against Cade Povich for Baltimore.

The Astros hold a 1.5-game AL West lead heading into Thursday, but that cushion is courtesy of Seattle’s collapse more than Houston’s own play. After being swep

Orioles rookie Dylan Beavers homered in his first home plate appearance, but his two RBIs weren’t enough in a loss to the Astros.

Preview the Aug. 23 matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.

The Astros have signed Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract, and the veteran reliever reported to the team in Baltimore on Friday.

Samuel Basallo wasn’t in the lineup Friday. He had more important business to tend to earlier in the day. The 21-year-old top prospect and the Orioles finalized a long-term contract extension — the first of the Mike Elias era — in the afternoon.

Since landing back with the Astros this season after a monumental blockbuster trade, 30-year-old shortstop Carlos Correa has been the star of the show. His performance on Thursday night against Baltimore was no different. In a 7-2 victory, Houston kicked off their series on the right foot. The confidence was there, as were the runs early on.