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Brewers vs Orioles action arrives in Baltimore with the Orioles facing one of their most difficult challenges of the season. After sweeping the New York Mets, Baltimore must continue winning nearly every remaining game to keep its postseason hopes alive. The visiting Milwaukee Brewers, meanwhile, own the best record in Major League Baseball.
Brewers vs Orioles Series Brings Critical Postseason Pressure
The Brewers enter the series at 95-58, a record that leads all of baseball. Milwaukee has already clinched its division and is now focused on securing the National League’s top playoff seed. The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached 93 victories, leaving the Brewers with plenty of motivation to keep winning.
Baltimore’s situation is far more urgent. The Orioles backed themselves into a difficult position during the closing weeks of the regular season and likely need to win every remaining game, or all but one, to remain in the postseason race. That makes this three-game home set a high-pressure test against a complete Milwaukee roster.
Milwaukee’s Dominant Pitching Staff Creates a Major Test
One of the Brewers’ biggest advantages is second-year starter Jacob Misiorowski. After an uneven rookie season, Misiorowski has taken a remarkable step forward in 2026. His fastball averages more than 100 mph, helping him produce a 1.89 ERA and a remarkable 0.812 WHIP.
Misiorowski is not currently expected to pitch in this series, although Sunday’s Milwaukee starter remains listed as TBD. Even without him, the Brewers’ pitching staff presents serious problems for the Orioles.
Milwaukee has six relievers with ERAs of 3.50 or better. Former Oriole DL Hall has posted a 2.17 ERA across 43 appearances, while closer Trevor Megill owns a 0.902 WHIP over 57.1 innings. The bullpen’s ability to protect narrow leads could prove decisive in a series where every run matters.
Orioles Look for Openings Against May and Gasser
Dustin May is scheduled to start Friday night for Milwaukee. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 4.49 ERA, 3.42 FIP and 1.287 WHIP in 28 games this season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Brewers.
May was once regarded as a highly promising pitching prospect. However, injuries and other setbacks prevented him from completing a full season of starts until this year. Since joining Milwaukee, his results have worsened despite improved batted-ball fortune. He has allowed more home runs and hard contact, giving Baltimore an opportunity to attack aggressively.
Robert Gasser is expected to start Saturday afternoon. The left-hander has a 4.30 ERA, 4.32 FIP and 1.266 WHIP in 19 games. Gasser missed significant time after Tommy John surgery early in his career and had opened this season with Milwaukee’s Triple-A club.
His underlying numbers offer encouragement for the Orioles. Gasser does not throw particularly hard, generates limited swing-and-miss, rarely gets chase outside the strike zone and has been vulnerable to hard contact. Still, Baltimore will need disciplined at-bats to take advantage of those weaknesses.
Brewers’ Offense Is Built to Punish Mistakes
Milwaukee has scored more runs than any other team in baseball. The lineup features six reliable regulars, along with productive reserve options such as former Oriole Gary Sánchez.
First baseman Jake Bauers has enjoyed a breakout season at age 30, while Brice Turang continues to combine strong defense with effective hitting. Former Oriole Joey Ortiz has also rebounded after a disappointing offensive campaign last year.
The Brewers have been especially dangerous with runners in scoring position. Their OPS in those situations is nearly 60 points higher than their overall mark, the best split in MLB. Baltimore’s .759 OPS with runners in scoring position ranks 10th, so the Orioles will need timely hitting and clean defense to stay within striking distance.
Series Schedule and Broadcast Information
- Friday, September 18, 7:05 p.m. Eastern: Dustin May starts for Milwaukee. Baltimore’s starter is TBD.
- Saturday, September 19, 4:05 p.m. Eastern: Robert Gasser starts for Milwaukee. Baltimore’s starter is TBD.
- Sunday, September 20, 7:20 p.m. Eastern: Both starting pitchers are TBD. The game will air exclusively on Peacock.
The Orioles have home-field advantage, but Milwaukee has demonstrated why it is considered the strongest team in the league. Baltimore’s recent sweep of the Mets provided momentum, yet this matchup will require even more from the rotation, bullpen and offense.
For the Orioles, winning two of three may be the minimum acceptable outcome. A sweep would dramatically improve their position, while a difficult weekend could effectively end their playoff pursuit. The Brewers have already secured October baseball, but their pursuit of the National League’s top seed means they are unlikely to ease off the gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Brewers vs Orioles series begin?
The series begins Friday, September 18, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. Eastern in Baltimore.
Who is starting for the Brewers?
Dustin May is scheduled to start Friday, and Robert Gasser is scheduled for Saturday. Sunday’s Milwaukee starter remains TBD.
Where can fans watch Sunday’s game?
Sunday’s game starts at 7:20 p.m. Eastern and will air exclusively on Peacock.
Why is this series important for Baltimore?
The Orioles are fighting to stay alive in the postseason race and likely need to win nearly all of their remaining games.
