The Baltimore Orioles entered Thursday afternoon’s game with the Cleveland Guardians (51-51) 9.5 games back in the Wild Card race and needing a win to avoid a four-game sweep. The team also found out that Felix Bautista was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder discomfort, so a lot was riding on the results of the game.
The Orioles broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh inning to record a 4-3 win over the Guardians and head back to Baltimore on a good note. The eventual winning run was the result of an Alex Jackson one-out double and a Gunnar Henderson two-out RBI single. Jackson made it easier to cross the plate after he advanced to third on Jackson Holliday‘s flyout to center.
A Much Needed Start
Charlie Morton (6-8) gave the Orioles exactly what they needed on this day, length and quality. Morton knew what was at stake with the bullpen situation and wanted to pitch the seventh when approached by Interim Manager Tony Mansolino after the sixth inning. On an 88 degree day Morton tossed 6.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 4, striking out 7 and hitting a batter. He also surrendered a pair of homeruns to Cleveland’s Steven Kwan and ironically left the game after issuing a two-out walk to Kwan. Henderson’s RBI gave the win to Morton.
Laureano Stays Hot
Ramon Laureano hit a two-run homerun in the first inning, his third of the four-game series. In Cleveland Laureano went 5 for 17 (.294) with 3 homeruns and 7 RBI.
Tyler O’Neill had a pair of hits in the contest and scored the third run of the first inning on a Ramon Urias RBI double; O’Neill singled in front of Urias.
A Good Outing For The Bullpen
Corbin Martin threw one pitch to end the seventh inning on an Angel Martinez foul popout to third.
Seranthony Dominguez allowed two singles and struck out two in the eighth.
In the ninth Gregory Soto pitched a clean inning, striking out two, to earn his first save of the season. When asked about the outing Soto said, “I felt good going out there today and getting the job done.”
Depending on the results of Bautista’s MRI tomorrow, there may be more opportunities for Soto.
Regardless of today’s win, the Orioles may not gain any ground in the Wild Card race. Toronto leads Detroit 11-1 in the ninth and the Birds are currently 9.0 games out.
2025 Record: 45-57
Next Game: Fri. 7/25 @ 7:05 pm vs. Colorado Rockies