The Boston Red Sox head to Camden Yards on Friday, September 4 for a 7:05 PM ET showdown against the Baltimore Orioles — a game that carries real weight as the AL East picture sharpens down the stretch. Ranger Suarez gets the ball for Boston against Baltimore's Shane Baz in what projects to be a compelling pitching duel. With September baseball in full swing, every game between these two division rivals carries consequences. Catch the action on NESN locally or tune into WEEI 93.7 FM on the radio.

Probable Pitchers: Ranger Suarez vs. Shane Baz

Ranger Suarez draws the assignment for the Red Sox, and he's the kind of arm you want out there in a meaningful September road game. The left-hander's ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games gives Boston a chance to keep the bullpen fresh. This is a big spot, and the Red Sox are counting on him to eat innings and limit a Baltimore lineup that has some genuine firepower.

Baz takes the hill for Baltimore. The right-hander has the stuff to keep any lineup honest, and the Orioles will be leaning on him to keep the Red Sox bats in check at Camden Yards. Boston's order will need to be patient and disciplined to work counts and create opportunities early.

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup at Baltimore

• Roman Anthony, DH
• Mickey Gasper, 1B
• Adley Rutschman, C
• Wilyer Abreu, RF
• Nick Sogard, 2B
• Caleb Durbin, 3B
• Jarren Duran, LF
• Trevor Story, SS
• Eli White, CF

Baltimore Orioles Starting Lineup

• Blaze Alexander, RF
• Coby Mayo, DH
• Luis Robert Jr., CF
• Pete Alonso, 1B
• Gunnar Henderson, SS
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B
• Jackson Holliday, 2B
• Carlos Narváez, C
• Leody Taveras, LF

Keys to Watch for Boston

Roman Anthony at the Top

Anthony leading off is a statement about where this organization is heading. The young outfielder brings an advanced approach to the plate, and his ability to get on base sets the table for everything that follows in Boston's lineup. His at-bats against Baz will be worth watching closely from the first pitch.

Jarren Duran's Production

Duran slots seventh in this lineup, which is a number that should catch your eye. Whether that reflects a current situation or a tactical decision, the Red Sox need him contributing regardless of where his name appears on the card. He has the speed and bat to change a game in a hurry.

Containing the Baltimore Middle of the Order

Suarez has to navigate a dangerous stretch in Baltimore's lineup — Luis Robert Jr., Pete Alonso, and Gunnar Henderson sit in the three, four, and five holes. That is a trio capable of doing serious damage, and keeping them off the bases will be the defining challenge of his start.

Adley Rutschman Hitting Third

It's worth noting that catcher Adley Rutschman hits third for Boston tonight — a lineup construction that puts his bat in a premium spot. Getting production out of that position in the order matters against a capable starter like Baz.

Prediction

This has the feel of a low-scoring game with two pitchers who work to contact and keep lineups off balance. Suarez is the key variable — if he can navigate the Baltimore middle of the order and give Boston six quality innings, the Red Sox have the lineup depth to scratch out enough runs to win. Call it Boston 4, Baltimore 3 in a game decided late. The Red Sox take this one on the road.