The Baltimore Orioles return to Oriole Park on Sunday looking to salvage the final game of the Beltway Series after back-to-back defeats have dropped their record to 15–29 and extended their losing streak to five games. It’s been a frustrating stretch for a team that was expected to be more competitive in the AL East, and manager Brandon Hyde now faces mounting pressure to ignite a response from a group that has struggled on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Orioles haven’t been able to generate momentum, producing just nine runs over their last three games and failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Gunnar Henderson remains one of the few consistent bats in the lineup, leading the team with a .281 average and continuing to provide spark at the top of the order. Anthony Santander, despite leading the team in RBIs with 44, has cooled off in recent games and will need to rediscover his power stroke to help Baltimore keep pace with Washington’s surging lineup. The Orioles’ inability to deliver big innings has forced their starting pitchers to operate with minimal margins for error, a scenario that’s worn down their already-struggling bullpen and led to late-game breakdowns, like the one seen in Saturday’s 10–6 loss. On the mound Sunday, Zach Eflin represents Baltimore’s best hope to avoid the sweep. Eflin has been one of the few dependable arms in the rotation, bringing a 3–1 record and 3.13 ERA into the matchup.

Known for his ability to work deep into games and limit walks, Eflin will need to keep the Nationals’ offense in check by mixing pitches effectively and inducing weak contact, especially from hot bats like James Wood and Nathaniel Lowe. The Orioles will also need better support from their defense, which has been shaky of late, allowing unearned runs and missing double-play opportunities that have extended innings and inflated pitch counts. Behind Eflin, Hyde will be hoping the bullpen can bounce back and hold leads should the offense finally break through, though recent trends have not been encouraging. The Orioles’ relievers have struggled with command and have been vulnerable to home runs in high-leverage moments. A sharper effort across the board—timely hitting, clean defense, and reliable pitching—is needed if Baltimore is to snap their skid and avoid being swept at home by a struggling but surging Nationals club. Sunday’s finale is more than just another game—it’s a potential turning point. A win would not only end the losing streak but could restore some belief in a roster that has talent but has underperformed in every key phase this month. Eflin gives them a fighting chance, but he’ll need help from a lineup that must wake up against a shaky Michael Soroka. If the bats come alive and the defense holds, the Orioles can still salvage pride and momentum before continuing their homestand.