Weekend baseball: Orioles, Nats hit the road again

The Orioles land back in Baltimore after beating Chicago and now host San Francisco for three games at Camden Yards. Taylor Ward made it look easy again, going four-for-five with two runs batted in and the game-winning run crossing home plate. Baltimore’s pitching staff, led by Kyle Bradish, kept the White Sox quiet long enough to snap a close one 5-3. The Giants arrive Friday with losing records on both sides, so the Orioles have a chance to build a small winning streak before stretching their lead over the rest of the pack. Across town, the Nationals head to Milwaukee for their own weekend series against a Brewers team that’s already played a dozen games. Washington’s recent trip to the coast didn’t go well, dropping five of six while the Dodgers and Cardinals took turns embarrassing them. Yet out of nowhere, Joey Wiemer is swinging like someone forgot to tell him he was supposed to be hitting . 218 this year—he’s collected four extra-base hits in the first month and is on fire right now. The Brewers, meanwhile, have Chad Patrick pitching lights-out in early April, so the Nats will need more than hot bats to walk away with a W.Both teams throw their Opening Day aces Friday night. Baltimore sends Shane Baz to the mound; he’s given up eight earned runs in his first 13 innings but will be eager to prove he belongs. San Francisco counters with Landon Roupp, who has allowed fewer runs per nine but already walked three batters in just 12 innings for 2026. Pitching might decide these games more than the big bats. Milwaukee opens a three-game set against Washington right after Baltimore’s opener. The Brewers’ starter Chad Patrick has not allowed an earned run in his first 9 1/3 frames and already has a victory. Washington counters with Jake Irvin, who has coughed up eight runs in six innings and has been lit up in two straight starts. One of these clubs will feel a lot better about their April on Sunday night.