What happened: Baltimore brings a five-game win streak into Saturday's game against Houston, which enters on a two-game skid. The Orioles topped the Astros 3-2 in Friday's series opener.
Why it matters: Baltimore sits at 44-45 and Houston at 44-47, with both clubs approaching the Aug. 3 trade deadline from different directions. Mike Elias has already signaled Baltimore is buying for the stretch run, while Houston has begun subtracting, shipping McCullers and Gordon to Milwaukee this week.
By the numbers: Orioles: 44-45, W5 streak, scoring 4.6 runs/game, allowing 4.5. Astros: 44-47, L2 streak, scoring 4.6, allowing 5.0. Baltimore has won the last meeting, 3-2 on July 17.
What to watch: First pitch is upcoming, with Baltimore looking to extend its win streak against a reeling Houston club.