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Baltimore Orioles: Mishaps, stranded runners, and poor challenges

Shane Baz labored almost through six innings for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon in Pittsburgh. The Birds have found this Pittsburgh lineup, which they should know well after the spring, to be very pesky the last two days. But needless to say, Baz put the O’s in a spot to win today. Baz’s line: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 earned), 3 BB, 5 K.

Dylan Beavers got the Orioles on the board in the fourth with an RBI-single. Following a Coby Mayo walk, Leos Taveres would single him home with an RBI of his own. The Birds were unable to push anything else across, and led 2-0.

The only real mistake Baz made was a fielding error in the last of the fourth. That’s runner would later score on Horowitz’s sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to 2-1. The O’s were poised to tack on some insurance in the seventh, however Adley Rutschman lined out to O’Hearn in right field- O’Hearn, who made about the play of his life. That’s sometimes how the ball bounces.

The O’s also had Coby Mayo aboard in the eighth, representing another insurance run. Mayo was promptly picked off of first, erasing the threat. That’s the sort of day it was for the O’s.

Anthony Nunez pitched the eighth, and surrendered an infield single. Could have been an out, but it was mishandled by Coby Mayo at third – ruled a base hit. However that base runner haunted the O’s. Magnum came up with two runners on, and hit an infield RBI-single to second. The ball bounced over the head of Nunez and died in the infield.

That’s what happens when things aren’t flowing well for you. Replay that exact scenario again and it’s an out – ending the inning. But the ball bounced just enough to get in for a base hit.

Gunnar Henderson struck out to end the top of the ninth, but called for an ABS challenge. The call was upheld as a strike, as it appeared from the get go. This on the heels of a Coby Mayo ABS challenge early in the game, on a similar pitch. The Orioles used up all of their challenges on pitches that appeared to be strikes from the beginning.

Which is why it was frustrating in the last of the ninth with one down, when Ryan Helsley appeared to strike out Yorke. However the ball was ruled outside. Replays backed up that it was in the strike zone. Helsley couldn’t challenge, and it remained a ball. Yorke hit the next ball into left field and over the outfield’s head to win it 3-2 for Pittsburgh.

The Orioles are a better team than Pittsburgh on paper. But if you can’t execute the fundamentals in a game, such as getting a runner home, you make it tough to win. And yes, that makes it tougher to fathom when balls take bad bounces on you – which they did on the Orioles today.

You also have to be conservative with these challenges. The Mayo and Henderson challenges should have never happened. Helsley struck Yorke out, and could have used a challenge in that instance. But there was no recourse. Be smart. Play it safe. Don’t challenge for the sake of challenging.

The series concludes tomorrow at PNC Park. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Braxton Ashcroft. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Big innings bite you

It’s tough being the opposition in someone else’s Opening Day, as the Baltimore Orioles were today in Pittsburgh. Kyle Bradish had an easy first inning, and a not-so-easy second inning. And that made all the difference. Bradish’s line: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 6 K.

Following a walk to lead off the second, Bradish had Pittsburgh’s Griffin in a deep two-strike count. Griffin of course is the top prospect in baseball, and was making his big league debut. And with a lot of fanfare at that. He took full advantage.

He hit a Bradish pitch that was off the plate, and ended up with an RBI-double. That was followed by subsequent RBI-singles and a double, and the O’s trailed, 4-0. Now to be fair, Bradish corrected himself. But you can’t give up big innings in games.

However Oriole bats did show some life. Needless to say, the Birds didn’t exactly go quietly. Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman smacked RBI-doubles in the fifth to cut the lead in half. However something interesting happened in the bottom of the inning…

…Pittsburgh put two on with one out. Dietrich Enns uncorked a wild pitch, but only the lead runner advanced – which is a massive base running mistake. With a ground ball double-play ending the inning, Enns induced a pop fly to O’Hearn, and that sac fly-RBI extended the lead to 5-2.

Did O’Hearn, a former Oriole, have an idea of how his old team would pitch him in that moment? Possible. Also not possible. But interesting that a mistake turned into a good thing for the team which made it.

Taylor Ward would get the Birds back to within two with an RBI-double in the seventh. Gunnar Henderson was down to his and the team’s final strike in the ninth, before he uncorked a solo home run. That only narrowed the Pittsburgh victory to one run, at 5-4.

The series continues tomorrow at PNC Park. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Carmen Mlodzinski. Game time is set for just after 4 PM,

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Baltimore Orioles: Zach Eflin injured in Birds’ loss

To be clear, NOBODY should be sounding the alarm at the Baltimore Orioles’ 2-3 record. We’re five games in. RELAX. What should concern folks is the fact that starter Zach Eflin left tonight’s game with a shoulder injury. Eflin’s line: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K,

Seven strikeouts over three innings plus is something that’s fairly noteworthy in my view. The lone run that Eflin gave up was a solo home run by Duran. But he righted himself. And solo home runs don’t hurt you.

However with two on and two outs in the fourth, manager Craig Albernaz and the training staff came out to tend to Eflin. Following a discussion, Eflin was lifted from the ballgame. The Orioles later said he left the game with right elbow discomfort.

As was seemingly the case last night, the Orioles would tie the game and then Texas would pop back on top. Pete Alonso’s solo homer in the fourth tied the game at one. However Langford’s RBI-triple and Seager’s RBI-single in the fifth gave Texas another lead at 3-1.

However the difference between this game and perhaps games last year was the fact that the O’s battled back. Gunnar Henderson’s two-RBI double tied the game back up at three. But Texas wasn’t about to be messed with. Nimmo’s RBI-single in the sixth gave them the lead back at 4-3.

They would extend that to 7-3 on a three-run home run in the seventh by Jansen. Seager would also add a solo shot in the ninth. The O’s would get two back in the last of the ninth on Taylor Ward’s two-RBI double in the last of the ninth, but that was too little too late. Texas wasn’t too much, and they now look to sweep tomorrow.

The ironic part was that Zach Eflin was always going to start tonight. Texas’ deGrom was a late add to the starting lineup. Yet it was deGrom who was in command. And Eflin, coming off of back surgery, who left the game early.

The Orioles now enter into a wait and see situation with Eflin. Perhaps it’s only tendinitis. Obviously we’ll find out. The good news is that the Orioles have good depth in the form of Dean Kremer or Cade Povich in the minors. The bad news is that this season is literally starting off the way last year did, especially when you add in the likes of Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg. And injuries decimated this team last year. Craig Alberbaz said after the game that it would probably be an IL situation.

There’s also some concern about the Orioles’ bullpen, this after tonight’s game. It was far from perfect. However the bullpen was also not used tonight as it was intended – given that they were tapped earlier than one would have thought due to the Eflin injury. This isn’t to say that recording outs shouldn’t be the expectation.

What the Orioles CANNOT do is what they did last year. Again, we’re five games in – RELAX, folks. However I said ad hoc last season that the Birds over-invested in analytics. From where they played their fielders, to which pitch was thrown. And opponents took full advantage; illustrated by first pitch sliders away going for home runs, or splitting outfielders. You have to have a proper happy medium between analytics and feel for the game. Mike Elias’ job should depend on it.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and Texas has not announced a starter. Game time is set for just after 12:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles clipped by soft contact

It’s uncanny how many times the Baltimore Orioles have fallen the past couple of years at the hands of soft contact. We saw it again tonight in Chris Bassitt’s maiden start in Baltimore, against Texas. Bassitt’s line: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K.

Bassitt struggled with his control, uncharacteristically putting runners on base. Even when he recorded outs, he went deep into counts and ticked his pitch count up. Ironically the first run of the game came on the heels of a Bassitt error. Burger hit a comebacker in the first inning with a runner on third, but Bassitt’s throw home came in hot. The error gave Texas a 1-0 lead.

And that right there illustrates this game – and my point. Opponents getting aboard on little flairs barely getting over the infielders’ heads. And here on a comebacker the Oriole pitcher is trying to gun the runner out at home, and the throw is so hard it’s errant.

But the Orioles got on the board in the first as well, albeit by more traditional ways. Gunnar Henderson’s solo homer tied the game at one. However Bassitt struggled with his control, as I said above. With two on in the second Nimmo’s RBI-single gave Texas the lead back at 2-1. However an RBI-single by Burger and a sac fly-RBI by Pederson later in the inning ran the score to 4-1.

Gunnar Henderson’s RBI-single in the fifth cut the lead to 4-2. However that was all the Birds could muster. Texas would tack on an insurance run in the ninth on Smith’s RBI-single. That came on the heels of an infield hit that put a runner in scoring position.

It was that sort of game for the O’s. Whether it was soft contact or infield hits, Texas found ways to get on base. And they took advantage. This while the Orioles struggled against Texas starter Jack Leiter, who was outstanding. He’s also the son of former big league pitcher Al Leiter. And he looked a lot like his old man tonight.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Zach Eflin gets the start for the O’s, and Texas is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: All’s well in the end

Shane Baz made his club debut this afternoon for the Baltimore Orioles in the rubber match against Minnesota. It wasn’t the stellar performance that one might have wanted in his team debut, or in a game right after signing a big contract extension. But it was an odd game overall, that had many twists and turns. Baz’s line: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 4 K.

Baz loaded the bases in the second inning with nobody out. Minnesota would push a run across on an RBI-single by Larnach. Later in the inning Gary’s three-RBI double extended the lead to 4-0. Moral of the story: don’t put runners on base.

Oriole bats had been quiet for the first two games of the season. But they strung together a couple of hits in the fourth, bringing Tyler O’Neill to the plate. And O’Neill smacked the first home run of the season for the O’s, this of the three-run variety. That cut the lead to 4-3, and suddenly the home team was on business.

The O’s briefly took the lead in the sixth on a two-RBI double by Dylan Beavers. Admittedly I thought that moment needed a more tenured hitter – such as Colton Cowser – who was on the bench. But Beavers got the job done, and the Birds held a lead. However one inning later Minnesota’s Lewis smacked a solo homer, tying the game at six.

Yet it was Pete Alonso, the Orioles’ big acquisition this off-season, who put them back on top. Following a walk and a base hit in the seventh, Alonso’s RBI-single gave the O’s a 6-5 lead. Adley Rutschman would add a pinch-hit RBI-double, and Coby Mayo an RBI-single. Minnesota would tack on a run in the ninth, but the O’s took the series finale, 8-6.

Despite the angst of yesterday, the O’s took two-of-three in the season’s opening series. That means nothing more than face value. But you’d rather that than the alternative.

The O’s welcome in Texas tomorrow evening at Camden Yards. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Jack Leiter. Game tune is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles haunted by small ball

Small ball has been the Baltimore Orioles’ bugaboo for years. It worked for them on Thursday – Opening Day. Not so much today in Kyle Bradish’s season debut. Bradish’s line: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 earned), 3 BB, 4 K.

There are worse stat lines than this. But Bradish appeared to lose his release point at various times, and he did struggle with control. It was also 46 degrees at first pitch, feeling more like 40. However the O’s did get on the board first, with Jeremiah Jackson’s RBI-single playing Colton Cowser and giving the Birds a 1-0 lead.

For most of the game the O’s seemed to be gunning for the long ball. And as I wrote many times last year, that’s how you win games in the AL East. However many of these central division teams play that slappy style of baseball – they manufacture runs. Today was no exception.

Buxton got aboard with a single (also the result of a manager’s challenge) in the fourth. He made the rare move of tagging up and trying for second base on a routine fly out. Admittedly, I was taken back by this, as players don’t normally attempt that. Buxton did, and it worked.

During the next at-bat, Adley Rutschman caught Buxton napping at second. However an errant throw allowed him to take third on the error. He would later score on a sac fly-RBI, tying the game.

Much of this style of baseball hinges on catching your opponent off guard. Ironically it’s almost as if playing the long ball game is predictable. Nevertheless in the fifth it was the small ball Minnesota Twins who took the lead – with a two-run homer. Ironic twist of fate in a sense.

Minnesota would also tack on an insurance run in the seventh with an RBI-single by Clemens. One very positive note for the Orioles in this 4-1 loss was the major league debut of Anthony Nunez. He pitched the eighth and ninth innings, and sent all six hitters he faced down.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Bailey Ober. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles ace Opening Day

Opening Day dawned for the Baltimore Orioles and starter Trevor Rogers. Make no mistake, it’s one game. There are 161 to go. Rogers was as good as advertised today in his role as staff ace, and the bats did just enough. Rogers’ line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K.

Rogers did pitch out of a couple of jams, but it wasn’t necessary too much. He induced a ground ball double-play to get out of the third, as well as the fourth. He also induced a double-play in the seventh to erase a threat and record two outs.

But the Orioles weren’t able to do much offensively either. However the eventually got into the Minnesota bullpen. Samuel Basallo singled in the seventh, and then went to third on a Tyler O’Neill single. Either runners at the corners Colton Cowser’s sac fly-RBI gave the Birds a 1-0 lead.

Not many people had the Orioles playing and winning with small ball today on their bingo card. But Blaze Alexander’s RBI-single drove home a second run, extending the lead to 2-0. And that was also big because Keaschall would get Minnesota on the board with a sac fly-RBI in the eighth.

Ryan Helsley came on for the save in the ninth, and allowed one base hit. But he largely shut Minnesota down, starting the Orioles off 1-0 on the season. Again, end of the day it’s one of 161. But it’s a win.

And a big win. You always want to look good on Opening Day. Especially at home, and especially with a new manager. That begins the Craig Alberbnaz era off on a winning note. Needless to say, that’s a big deal going into a scheduled off day tomorrow.

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Baltimore Orioles 2026 season preview

Opening Day, 2026 for the Baltimore Orioles. And all of Major League Baseball. This afternoon the Birds open the 2026 season under new manager, Craig Albernaz.

It goes without saying that the Orioles need for 2026 to have fewer injuries than 2025. That’s already been challenging, as Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday are already on the IL. However Holliday at least should return soon.

End of the day, it boils down to pitching for the Orioles. Given the lineup, we know that the run production will be there – barring injuries. This is an Orioles team which added Pete Alonso at first base. That’s 40 home runs and 100 RBI infused into the lineup. Not to mention better role players and utility men on the bench.

The Birds will go as far as their pitching takes them this year. And I scoff at the contemporary idea that bullpens could mean more now. Bullpen’s matter, but not as much as starters. The O’s beefed up their rotation with the likes of Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt this offseason. Combine that with Zach Eflin and Kyle Bradish coming back, and the rotation is much deeper this year. Look no further than the fact that Dean Kremer’s starting the season in AAA.

End of the day, this season will have great moments. Also some tough ones. Again, you have to hope that the injury situation doesn’t wind up being the same as last year. I maintain that, combined with an over-reliance on analytics, tanked last year more than anything. That cannot be allowed to happen again.

So where does this season, which dawns brightly this afternoon, culminate? Obviously I can’t predict the future with any amount of accuracy. The Orioles and Boston got better this offseason. New York sort of stood pat, and Toronto probably took a step backwards. My prediction is that Boston wins the AL East. But that the Orioles at the very least contend for a Wild Card.

Whatever happens, the season and the opening series against Minnesota begins this afternoon at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Joe Ryan. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Colton Cowser leads the day at the plate

The Baltimore Orioles played at a retooled Camden Yards this afternoon behind an outstanding effort by Kyle Bradish against Washington. The game didn’t count, to be clear. But it sure felt like a regular season game. Bradish’s line: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

It was tough to remind yourself that this is technically a Grapefruit League game. It felt like the middle of May in terms of the weather. And the game itself.

The O’s took the lead in the last of the second on a solo home run by Colton Cowser. One inning later it was Gunnar Henderson’s solo homer that doubled the lead at 2-0. This while Bradish was dealing.

Bradish is going to be key this year. The O’s need him to have a full and a good season. Today doesn’t count. But it was a good start.

Colton Cowser provided a lot of the offense today. He walked in a run also in the last of the sixth. Later in the inning Blaze Alexander was hit by a pitch, again with the bases juiced. The O’s walked in another run immediately after with Gunnar Henderson, and they led 5-0.

Washington decided to try to get into the game in the seventh, with a solo homer by Lile. However the O’s would put two on in the eight, including a HPB for Luis Vasquez – who left the game, and was NOT happy about it. However Jeremiah Jackson followed that up with a three-run home run, cementing the Birds’ 8-1 win against Washington.

The Vasquez incident is of concern. He felt he was on the precipice of being on the Opening Day roster. He still could be, but the injury will certainly play a role. On a side note, I like this “new” home-and-home series with Washington to end the spring. It gets both teams home slightly earlier, and it’s good for the fans.

The Orioles will close spring training tomorrow afternoon against Washington at Nationals Park. Shane Baz gets the start for the Birds, and Washington is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Slog and a slam

Levi Wells got the start for the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium this afternoon in the final tuneup in Florida. Call it a stopgap start in a sense, assisting the Birds in lining up their rotation for the regular season. Wells’ line: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

With Philadelphia leading 1-0, Pete Alonso tied the game at one on a balk in the last of the first. In the last of the third Tyler O’Neill gave the O’s a 2-1 lead with an RBI-single. However Philadelphia would later tie the game and take a 4-2 lead in the fourth on Kemp’s two-RBI single.

But this was the Orioles’ final game at Ed Smith this year. And they wanted to send themselves off in style. In the bottom of that fourth inning Gunnar Henderson’s RBI-double cut the lead to 4-3. Weston Wilson’s sixth inning RBI-double tied the game at four. But the O’s weren’t finished.

They would later load the bases in that sixth inning. Jhokensy Noel came to the plate, and gave the Sarasota faithful one last memory in 2026 with a grand slam. That put the Birds in the driver’s seat at 8-4, this after a long slog of a beginning of the game. Philadelphia would inch closer as the game went on, but Victor Figueroa’s two-RBI single put the O’s over the top on their 10-7 win.

Before the game the Orioles surprised everyone by announcing that Dean Kremer was being optioned to Norfolk to start the season. Obviously someone had to be the odd man out, and it was him. I suspect Zach Eflin’s stellar outing in Tampa last night played a role. Odds are however, we’ll see our share of Dean Kremer in the big leagues this year.

The Orioles now truly head for home, flying to Baltimore to take on the Washington Nationals tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Washington’s Mitchell Parker. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Zach Eflin’s Friday night delight

The Baltimore Orioles traveled to Tampa this evening to take on the New York Yankees. Zach Eflin got the start n the penultimate road game on spring training. I say penultimate because they’ll technically play a road game on Monday afternoon in Washington, D.C. Eflin’s line: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K.

Simply put, this might have been the best pitched game of the spring for the O’s. Eflin was outstanding. And he shut down a formidable New York lineup. Heck, he allowed one base hit. And that was the sole base runner.

End of the day, nobody will remember this game. The stats aren’t recorded for review or anything along those lines. Heck many fans who attended will have forgotten about it by the time they get home! But I’ve always said that if you’re going to play these spring games, you’d may as well look good in them.

New York broke through on the scoreboard in the last of the eighth, with an RBI-single and two RBI-doubles. This of course well after Eflin and most of the starters had left the game. One starter who did close things out was Samuel Basallo, who smacked and RBI-single in the ninth to get the Orioles job the board. But that wasn’t enough, as the O’s fell 3-1 in Tampa.

Of concern, Dylan Beavers was in the original starting lineup, and was scratched just before game time. That’s definitely something to watch, and the last thing the O’s needed was someone getting hurt this late in camp. Depending on the extent of Beavers’ injury however, that could be an opening for a Heston Kjerstad type. But the hope is it isn’t serious.

The Orioles return home to Ed Smith Stadium tomorrow to welcome in Philadelphia in the final Florida game of the season. Levi Wells gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Ryan Cusick, Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Samuel Basallo’s big night

You know the Baltimore Orioles are getting close to the end of spring training when night games start getting sprinkled in. Trevor Rogers, the Orioles’ opening day starter next week, was highly effective in what we assume is his final start of the spring – against Pittsburgh at Ed Smith Stadium. Rogers’ line: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K.

Rogers was strong throughout his outing. The two surrendered runs scored towards the end of his time in the game. But it was Oriole bats, specifically ONE Oriole bat, which made the difference in the ballgame.

Samuel Basallo gave the Birds a 1-0 lead in the last of the first with a solo home run. One inning later it was Jhonkensy Noel’s turn – his a two-run homer. And the O’s held a 3-0 lead early.

However that first inning home run was only an appetizer. Following a third inning walk, Basallo came up to bat again in the last of the fourth. And he smacked another home run, this one a two-run shot, extending the Orioles’ lead to 5-0.

Pittsburgh would plate two in the fifth, which closed out the scoring in the Orioles’ 5-2 win. They also fell earlier in the day (split-squad day) in Tampa against New York. However Dean Kremer went four plus innings and looked good. However tonight’s game was the Birds’ penultimate game in Sarasota this year.

The O’s head (as a full-squad) to Tampa tomorrow to take on New York at Steinbrenner Field. Zach Eflin gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Luis Gil. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: The rains came

Remember last season when (among other things…) the Baltimore Orioles had rain delays galore? We got a taste of that this evening. Starter Zach Eflin was in a groove…then the skies opened.

Eflin had struck out four in a row before allowing a base hit in the third. This followed by the rain delay. However Tyler O’Neill had given the Orioles a 2-0 lead with a two-RBI single in the first inning. So as far as two innings plus games go, the O’s looked okay tonight.

Maybe it’s better. For tonight at least. This allows players, coaches, and fans to watch the US vs. the Dominican Republic in the WBC! Tonight’s game, for the record, will not be made up.

The Orioles stay in Sarasota tomorrow night as Boston rolls into Ed Smith Stadium. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Sonny Gray. Game time is set for just after 6 PM

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Baltimore Orioles: Adley Rutschman continues his hot spring

Baltimore Orioles’ Opening Day starter Trevor Rogers got the start this afternoon against Pittsburgh in Bradenton. It was Rogers’ first start since the team announced that he would be starting on Opening Day at Camden Yards. It would stand to reason that he’ll have at least one more start in the spring before the games count for real. Rogers’ line: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

Rogers did throw a home run on the second pitch of the ballgame. Davis’ solo shot set the tone for the game in a sense. However it was also Davis’ first hit of the spring. Rogers was around the plate the entire game, save for in the second inning when he walked the bases loaded to extend Pittsburgh’s lead to 2-0.

However following a Taylor Ward base hit to lead off the third, Adley Rutschman continued his strong Grapefruit League spring. His two-run homer immediately tied the game at two. The Orioles are going to need Rutschman to return to the levels at which he was playing until the middle of 2024 if they’re going anywhere this year. The way he’s looked in spring training thus far has been encouraging.

The Orioles also held a brief lead in this game. Dylan Beavers smacked a two-run homer, and for a brief moment the Orioles led 4-2. This in the sixth inning. Triolo’s RBI-single in the last of the frame cut the lead to one, but Adley Rutschman came up big again in the seventh with an RBI-single to bring the lead back to two at 5-3.

However Pittsburgh used two later innings homers to claw back. Ozuna’s three-run shot in the seventh gave them a 6-5 lead. Cook would add a two-run homer in the eighth to extend the lead to 8-5. The O’s did threaten in the ninth however. Colton Cowser knocked in an RBI-double, but the Orioles fell on this day in Bradenton, 8-6.

Rogers was solid, and Rutschman stood out. I also found it interesting that Cowser played the entire game. I’m not sure if that was done purposefully from the beginning, but one way or the other he played the entire game. Cowser as you’ll remember was out for much of the year last season, stemming from jamming his finger in Toronto in the fourth game of the year.

The Orioles return to Sarasota tomorrow for their first night game of the spring when New York comes to Ed Smith Stadium. Zach Eflin gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Paul Blackburn. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Too much replay?

Tyler Wells got the start for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium against Toronto. Wells was one of several pitchers, only pitching one inning. Basically a get your work in and go home spring outing for Wells, against split-squad Toronto. Wells’ line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.

The Orioles struggled to get guys on base in this game, which is another issue. Especially given that Toronto was sending their B Team to Sarasota. Toronto’s Sanchez smacked an RBI-single in the third for the game’s lone run, and Toronto defeated the Orioles, 1-0.

That third inning was aided by two Toronto ball/strike replay challenges, and a pass ball, Early on the O’s didn’t challenge too many calls. But like Toronto, they were aggressive with challenges today. And there were several on both sides.

Obviously Toronto wouldn’t have scored that run if not for the challenges. But my question is are both teams and umpires now starting to rely on it too much? I say that because we see more and more challenges in the games.

I suspect that once the regular season begins teams will be a little more hesitant to challenge anything and everything. And to challenge pitches so early in games. And it’s far too simplistic to say the goal is to get the call right, and why not use technology to do it?

Fair enough. But are you comfortable with playoff games being decided with a tap on the helmet? Or heaven-forbid, a World Series?

I recognize the flip-side of that argument; are you okay with a World Series being decided on a bad call? So on that basis I’m not sure there’s a perfect answer. However teams are using the pitch challenge system early and often. We’ll see if that continues into the regular season.

Here’s another point. On a payoff pitch, conventional wisdom says a hitter should be aggressive – especially if the pitch is remotely near the strike zone. Might that change? Maybe it pays to start letting the pitch go, as they can just tap their helmet and potentially get the call overturned.

For the record, overall I like replay. I think it should exist in some form. I just think that by introducing the idea of challenging balls and strikes, we’re allowing the game to be further over-legislated.

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Baltimore Orioles: Shane Baz to the Birds

The Baltimore Orioles made a move to acquire starting pitching today, trading for RHP Shane Baz, formerly of the Tampa Rays. In return, the Orioles sent OF Slater de Brun, C Caden Bodine, RHP Michael Forret and OF Austin Overn back to Tampa. The teams have not confirmed the deal, which also includes a Competitive Balance Round A pick going to Tampa.

Baz, 26, made a career-high 31 starts in 2025. He pitched to a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA. He struck out 176 and walked 64. He’s also under team control until 2029.

That last part is probably the key, presumably the reason the price was so high. Controllable pitching is a hot commodity. Many of the big names on the trade market are on the docket BECAUSE they don’t have much team control left on their contracts.

Controllable pitching is key. So is keeping your core. Any discussion of involving the likes of someone such as Jackson Holliday should be a non-starter.

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Baltimore Orioles: Pete Alonso is for the Birds

Don’t say that the Baltimore Orioles weren’t aggressive this offseason. It’s being reported today at the MLB Winter Meetings that the O’s are signing former New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso. The club has not confirmed the signing as of yet, as it’s pending a physical.

Alonso signed a two-year deal with New York last year, which had an opt-out clause. The deal with the Orioles is a reported five years and $155 million, and allegedly has no opt-out clause. Alonso, 31, is excepted to be the Orioles’ starting first baseman on Opening Day.

President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias said he went to the Winter Meetings partially to get a big bat, and he did. Alonso hit .272 last year, with 38 homers. Also 41 doubles. He should plug into the Orioles’ lineup well.

The question now becomes what to do with Ryan Mountcastle, who was recently tendered a contract. It’s entirely possible that he’ll be packaged in a trade for a starting pitcher. Or perhaps Coby Mayo could be that guy. Either way the O’s have a logjam now at first base, despite this being a winning move.

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Baltimore Orioles: Craig Albernaz appears to be it

The Baltimore Orioles appear to be hiring Craig Albernaz as their new manager. You might find yourself asking, “who?” You aren’t alone.

Albernaz, 43, was hired as the Cleveland Guardians’ bench coach for the 2024 season. He was promoted to Associate Manager for this past year. He was also the San Francisco Giants’ Bulloen Coach in 2019, and he’s coached in the Tampa Rays’ organization,

A minor league catcher, Albernaz never made it to the big leagues. He wasn’t on anyone’s short list as a candidate. My personal opinion was that it was going to be former Seattle skipper Scott Servais. But Albernaz did enough to woo Mike Elias to get the job. For what it’s worth, he was also rumored to be a finalist for at least one other job.

He’s another young hire, at 43. Brandon Hyde was 45. He’ll inherit a team that was riddled with injuries in 2025, and couldn’t quite put it together even in the short amount of time they were close to full strength. But he’ll also inherit a roster that has the potential to make a run at a title – IF the likes of Elias and the front office can add perhaps a big name in the field and on the mound. But one way or the other, Craig Albernaz it seems to be.

I wouldn’t expect a formal announcement until after the conclusion of the World Series, but this appears to be the direction in which the Orioles are going.

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Baltimore Orioles: 2025 Season in Review

For the first time in their history, the Baltimore Orioles began the season north of the border in 2025. They played a four-game set in Toronto, splitting the series. But they did it in grandiose fashion, defeating Toronto 12-2 on Opening Day.

However the harbinger for the season dates back to 2024, that being injuries. The Orioles lost Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, and Tyler Wells in 2024, with Bradish and Wells returning at the tail end of 2025. On top of that, they lost Gunnar Henderson in the first week of spring training (through the first week of the regular season), and Colton Cowser over the opening weekend.

As the season was in its infancy, it was evident that something wasn’t clicking. And injuries piled up. Jordan Westburg ended up on the IL over time, as did Ryan Mountcastle. Down the stretch, Adley Rutschman even hit the injured list. And the players who were on the field weren’t producing.

Things came to a head after a blown save in May against Washington at home. GM Mike Elias called a press conference, and announced the next day that he had relieved manager Brandon Hyde of his duties. Tony Mansolino would be the interim manager for the rest of the season.

Things improved under Mansolino, and injured players started to return. However even wins were a struggle. The O’s had to settle for at times winning one of three in a series, with that one being a struggle. And at times it didn’t make sense. The games they would lose were very much against the run of play. But wins are wins, and losses are losses.

The Orioles made a few trades at the deadline, including their lone all-star, Ryan O’Hearn. Sadly, these were necessary moves. You may as well get something for a guy as opposed to getting nothing. The likes of Bradish and Wells would return late in the season, but the O’s also lost the likes of Ryan Mountcastle down the stretch, among others.

Part of the story of this season was that the right hand never seemed to compliment the left hand. In games where they scored runs, the pitching dumped out. And on nights when they pitched well, the bats fell silent. This year will be remembered for the injuries first and foremost. But never being able to put it all together was as much a problem as anything else.

There were some bright spots, however. Trevor Rogers worked his way into being the MVO, leading the pitching staff in a down year. The Orioles also called up Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo towards the end of the season. And the boys made an immediate impact. Basallo was also given an eight-year contract, four games into his tenure.

End of the day, they finished with 75 wins. You have to hope that playing this back next year, presumably under different leadership, maybe things are different. In 2025 just about everything went against them – things within their control, and outside of it. Maybe in the future, some of those things break the other way.

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Baltimore Orioles: The End

Some fans are probably happy that the Baltimore Orioles’ season is over. But for the vast majority the end of baseball season is always somewhat sad and reflective. If for no other reason than it means cold temperatures will eventually be setting in. Kyle Bradish got the start this afternoon at Yankee Stadium in the season finale. Bradish’s line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 8 K.

Bradish surrendered a solo home run to Rice in the first inning, but allowed no further damage. However back-to-back home runs in the fourth gave the Orioles the lead. Jordan Westburg got the party started, and his solo homer was followed by one from Gunnar Henderson.

However the O’s did have a lead in this game. That is until Stanton’s RBI-single in the home half of the frame tied it back up at two. And the game would be knotted at two for almost the rest of the way. However Rice’s solo shot in the eighth ended up putting New York over the top, and they won 3-2 over the O’s to close the season.

The big question in the air for the Orioles now is where do they go from here. One thing we know indubitably for sure; Tony Mansolino has managed his final game as interim manager. He’ll either be offered the full time job, or the Orioles will hire someone else. Either way, today was his last day with that interim tag.

I maintain that if Mike Elias was going to extend Mansolino, he would have already done so. So my prediction is a new guy will man the dugout next year. One way or the other, odds are it won’t be announced during the MLB postseason. Teams tend to lay low during that time.

Make no mistake, the 2026 Orioles are not a tear down and rebuild. This is a team that was done in by injuries before the season even started. I would submit that it started going awry when Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Tyler Wells went down last season. On top of that, Gunnar Henderson went down in spring training, stunting his early season. Not to mention Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, and others.

Point being, this season was doomed in advance. However that also means that IF the O’s don’t suffer that same fate in 2026, things could be different. I maintain that they need an experienced manager who’s been around the block. Someone who isn’t freaked out by analytics, but also one who isn’t bound to them. Someone who manages more by the book as opposed to by the computer.

There’s an entire off season to discuss this. But one way or the other, hope will spring eternal in a few very short months. Before you know it, pitchers and catchers will be reporting. And everything is renewed.

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Baltimore Orioles: You can’t nibble

The Baltimore Orioles should listen to former Hall of Fane manager Earl Weaver more often. Weaver preached attacking the strike zone. Starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano didn’t do it today at Yankee Stadium. Sugano’s line: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K.

Sugano gave up a solo homer to Judge in the first, and then one to Stanton in the second. McMahon followed with a solo shot of his own later in the inning. And the O’s trailed 3-0 early on.

Many of those pitches (not all) were on the fringes of the strike zone. That’s very consistent with what we’ve seen all year. Earlier in the season there were times where it appeared the Orioles were not only nibbling like this in the zone, but were also tipping pitches. Dangerous combination.

And I say that because home runs were being hit on pitches that shouldn’t be winding up in the stands (based on their location) – unless the hitter knew where it was coming in. Or guessing right. But when you don’t attack the strike zone, you play not to lose. In football they call it the “prevent defense.”

The reason for nibbling as opposed to attacking the strike zone of course is understandable. The likes of Judge and Stanton are imposing. But wouldn’t you rather they beat you than you beating yourself?

The other thing that happens when you nibble is that you lose the benefit of the doubt. New York loaded the bases in the fifth before Judge smacked an RBI-single. The pitch to Judge, in fairness, was right down the pike. But many of the pitches which led to the bases being full were borderline. Many were in the strike zone. And they were called balls.

Bellinger added a sac fly-RBI before the inning ended. Coby Mayo would add a solo homer to get the Orioles on the board in the eighth. But the Birds fell, 6-1 in the Bronx.

I’m sure there’s some analytical statistic out there saying that if you live on the fringes of the strike zone you have a better probability of winning. And I’m not suggesting that every pitch needs to be in the strike zone. Not under any circumstances. However again, traditional managers all say you have to attack the zone. The Orioles haven’t used that mantra as a modus operandi in some time. That should be a goal going into 2026, lest they want to watch home run after home run fly over their outfielder’s heads. Their outfielders who incidentally are positioned too deep to stop soft contact – which invariably seems to occur.

The series and the season concludes tomorrow at Yankee Stadium. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Luis Gil. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: A struggle for Trevor Rogers in the end

Trevor Rogers has had quite a season for the Baltimore Orioles. He rightfully was given the MVO award this week, and has been a stabilizing force on the staff and in the clubhouse. Unfortunately he struggled in his final start last night at Yankee Stadium, making that his lasting impression of 2025. Rogers’ line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

After issuing a first inning walk, Rogers gave up a two-run homer to Stanton in the first inning. However the O’s did briefly have the lead. Jordan Westburg uncorked a three-run home run in the top of the third, and suddenly the Orioles led 3-2.

But it didn’t last long. Judge hit a second New York two-run homer in the last of the third, and they retook the lead at 4-3. Stanton added a second later in the inning, ballooning it to 6-3. Many of these home runs came following walks and with two strikes. Dylan Beavers was also replaced in the lineup after his fourth inning at-bat after fouling a ball off his shin. X-Rays were negative.

Tyler O’Neill attempted to bring the O’s closer. His solo homer in the sixth cut the lead to 6-4. However New York would tack on two additional runs as insurance, and the Birds fell 8-4 in the Bronx. For Rogers, not the way he wanted to end the season. But it does little to dim the light he represented this year.

The series continues this afternoon at Yankee Stsdium. Tomoyuki Sugano gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Cam Schlittler. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Drama at the end

Tyler Wells got the start for the Baltimore Orioles tonight against Tampa. Not the greatest start on planet earth, albeit in a game played under the constant threat of rain. Wells’ line: 4.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

Wells surrendered an RBI-double to Lowe in the first inning. An inning later Feduccia added a second RBI-double, and Lowe a solo homer I. The third.

On the flip side, the O’s didn’t get a hit until the seventh inning. But by that time Tampa had extended its lead to 6-0. The O’s did get on the board with a two-RBI single in the eighth. But they fell, 6-2 in the final night game of the season at Camden Yards.

Samuel Basallo was hit during last night’s game. The Orioles also hit Caminero later in the game. My personal opinion was that wasn’t intentional – in both cases. Guys get hit all the time in baseball. Camiero’s body language at the time however indicated that he thought it was purposeful.

Nevertheless Basallo led off against Tampa reliever Pete Fairbanks in the last of the ninth tonight. On an 0-2 count, he was hit in the hand with a 97 MPM fastball. He winced in pain and immediately moved towards the clubhouse. Coby Mayo pinch ran in his place.

After recording the final out, Fairbanks proceeded to blow a kiss towards the Orioles’ dugout while staring them down. Fairbanks may have had some plausible deniability on the intent of the pitch before that. However that sort of petty bush league gesture removed that.

The whole thing seems like it didn’t need to happen. Granted nobody knows what was said or what might have been said earlier in the season. But without admitting to the league that he threw at Basallo intentionally, Fairbanks publicly admitted he threw at Basallo intentionally. The league should take note of that. Especially given that Basallo is a top prospect.

Baseball’s a stoic game. It’s not the NFL or NBA where taunting is all but expected. It’s seen as childish, especially in this context. Again, Fairbanks lost plausible deniability with that act. The league should taken notice.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Drew Rasmussen. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Dean Kremer strong in final start

If the Baltimore Orioles’ rotation stays on schedule, Dean Kremer made his final start of the year last night against Tampa at Camden Yards. Perhaps fittingly, it was a start that was delayed an hour and eleven minutes by rain before it even started. But needless to say, Kremer finished strong once he took to the mound. Kremer’s line: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K.

When Kremer left the game he did so to a standing ovation from the fans. He’s a guy who’s chiefly important to this rotation next year. And while he did have his struggles at times this year, he quietly had a very strong season.

He had the lead early, as the O’s manufactured two runs in the first inning. Gunnar Henderson’s sac fly-RBI and Tyler O’Neill’s RBI-groundout gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead. Henderson came up again in the third and added on an RBI-single to extend it to 3-0.

Kremer, for his part, was crisp all night. He also pitched-to-contact, which is all but the opposite of what Oriole pitchers did over the weekend against New York. And the results speak for themselves. In both instances.

Jordan Westburg would tack on a sac fly-RBI in the fifth to extend the lead further. And Colton Cowser put the exclamation point on in the sixth with a two-run home run. The Oriole bullpen was virtually as strong as Kremer, and the Birds went home 6-0 winners in the first game with Tampa, the last home series of the year.

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Shane Baz. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Another walk off win

Tyler Wells and the Baltimore Orioles came into tonight’s game against Pittsburgh having won three of four games straight in walk off fashion. On a cool and misty night at Camden Yards, the goal was to win it in nine this time around. The Birds would fail at that, but big deal. Wells’ line: 6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

The O’s fell behind 1-0 on a fourth inning solo home run by Horowitz. – a Baltimore-area native, by the way. Apparently his family is unable to attend this series due to being out of town for a wedding. Tough pill to swallow!

The Orioles would tie the game in the eighth with two runners on and runners at first and second. Jackson Holliday would dump in a flare that fell for an RBI-single. That tied the game at four.

The game went to extra innings, which wasn’t a surprise. As sure as grass is green, the O’s had to win yet another in walk off fashion. With two runners on in the tenth and nobody out, Daniel Johnson laid down a sac bunt. Not only that, but he placed it perfectly and legged out a bunt single. That loaded the bases, and the O’s eventually walked Pittsburgh off with a run-scoring single by Dylan Beavers.

The Orioles have now taken the first two from Pittsburgh. It’s also the fourth walkoff in five games for the Orioles. Needless to say, they’re feeling it.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Johan Oviedo. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: A Holliday 30 years in the making

Nobody does nostalgia like the Baltimore Orioles. We’ve seen it time and again, including tonight with Cal Ripken Jr, and the anniversary of 2131. After which Trevor Rogers took the mound for the Birds. Rogers’ line: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

The problem is, the Orioles were facing Los Angeles’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto. No easy task. This despite the pomp and circumstance of the pregame ceremony. Los Angeles took a 1-0 lead on an RBI-groundout by Ohtani in the third inning.

With two runners on in the fifth, Betts smacked a harsh liner to Gunnar Henderson at short, and Henderson climbed the ladder to get it. Unfortunately, it dropped out of the glove on the way down. It was ruled an RBI-single. Two innings later Betts would follow with an RBI-triple, and the O’s trailed 3-0.

Yamamoto was also throwing a no-hitter. And as the game wore on, it seemed he was getting stronger. Oriole hitters couldn’t do anything against him. Balls that were put in play were outs.

In a way it felt like Los Angeles was saying you can have your nostalgia, we’re here now and that’s more important. They made it to 26 outs in the game. Two outs in the ninth…

…and Jackson Holliday smacked a solo homer to right field. That broke the shutout, and more importantly it broke up the no-hitter. But the game wasn’t over.

A double, a HBP, and a walk later, the Orioles were looking at possibly WINNING the game. Colton Cowser then walked in a run, cutting the lead to 3-2. That brought Emmanuel Rivera to the plate after LA changed pitchers…and you know the rest.

Rivera’s two-RBI single won it 4-3. So in a flash, the Orioles went from having the 30 year anniversary of 2131 having an unfortunate twist, to the latest installation of Orioles Magic. And it should go as no surprise that Cal Ripken Jr. played a role. In a flash, the game changed. That’s baseball. And that’s part of what makes baseball great.

The only downside to this game for the Birds was catcher Samuel Basallo left the game after getting nic’d by a foul ball. Tony Mansolino said after the game that X-Rays were negative. He also said that Dean Kremer’s MRI came back with nothing serious, but he’ll skip his next start.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Tomoyuki Sugano gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by LA’s Clayton Kershaw. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: The Ripken Way

Pending the weather, the Baltimore Orioles will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr breaking the consecutive games played streak before tonight’s game against Los Angeles. We all know what’s going on; throngs of former Orioles, dignitaries, and even former Oriole play-by-play man John Miller will be in attendance for the festivities. This to mark the moment that saved baseball across multiple generations.

First off, has it really been 30 years?! I was a freshman in high school, and I didn’t know a world without Cal Ripken Jr on the Orange & Black. Or in the lineup. When you think of everything that’s happened between then and now, it’s sort of crazy – both in and outside of baseball.

The numbers on the Warehouse counting the consecutive games played are an iconic sight to many people of a certain generation – certainly my generation. But personally, the part I’ll always remember more than anything else is the image of Cal Ripken Sr applauding and waving from the skybox. The Orioles have always had that Field of Dreams sort of feel about them. And put in that context in terms of baseball being a game between fathers and sons…that “Ripken moment” was perhaps the most meaningful of that entire sequence of events.

People think of a lot of things when the concept of The Oriole Way comes up. I suppose it’s fair to say that the guy who ties that into a beat bow is Earl Weaver. However The Oriole Way in truth begins and ends with the Ripken’s. And I would submit that there’s no city like Baltimore and no family that means as much to it than the Ripken’s. And we saw it that night.

For his part, both Cal Ripken’s would probably say that it’s more about the team than anything else. And it is. But there are certain moments and certain people who always rise to the occasion – birds of a certain feather. The Ripken’s are just that. And it was that bond between father and son which made the image of the numbers on the Warehouse possible.

On the day of my death, Cal Ripken Jr will still be baseball’s Iron Man. I’m sure there’s some analytic which would say I’m mistaken. But the human element of baseball says I’m correct. Nobody’s ever playing in 2,633 consecutive games. The same is true with Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak – nobody’s hitting in 57 straight games. I say that as sure as crabs and beer are to the shores of the Chesapeake, and to the state of Maryland.

I’ve had people ask me, why is it such a big deal? So the guy shows up everyday – he’s PAID to do that. But as we know, it is a big deal. Because Maryland itself is a blue collar and hard-working state. So the Ripken Way is truly a symbol of that. Do the Orioles do everything right? No. But that moment 30 years ago showed the rest of the country that you can call it what you will…The Oriole Way, The Ripken Way, etc. But the value system of showing up and giving it all you have everyday? Those are Maryland Values. And it was never symbolized better in the form of the Orange & Black than it was in that sequence of events 30 years ago.

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Baltimore Orioles best LA, maybe lose Dean Kremer

The Baltimore Orioles beat the LA Dodgers this evening at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer looked sharp early coming off of a couple of bad starts. It wouldn’t last – but not how you might think. Kremer’s line: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

Dietrich Enns spent the entire top of the fourth inning warming up in the Orioles’ bullpen. He entered the game in the last of the fourth, relieving Kremer. The Orioles later said that Kremer was yanked for right forearm discomfort.

You don’t want to speculate on anything. However needless to say, Dean Kremer is hugely important to the O’s in 2026. I think most fans would take him being shut down now and thus being ready for Spring Training next year. But we’ll just have to see.

The O’s put two runners on in the fifth, and Jackson Holliday stole second base. Funny thing though; LA pitcher Casparius uncorked a wild pitch at the same moment. It was a pretty close play at the plate, but Holliday came in to score on the wild pitch, giving the Orioles the lead.

But it was short-lived. Freeman ambushed the first pitch of the sixth over the wall. That tied the game at one, and we. Had a new ballgame again.

And through the later innings the game remained tied at one. That was until there were two outs in the ninth. Samuel Basallo picked a great moment to hit his first Oriole Park home run. It was a solo shot, and a walk off at that. The Birds went home winners against the defending champion LA Dodgers, 2-1.

That’s almost a footnote if you factor in the Dean Kremer situation. This season has been tough or numerous levels, but none moreso than then the injuries. And now this.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards, as the O’s celebrate 30 years since 2131 and Cal Ripken Jr. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by LA’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles hold on to sweep San Diego

Cade Povich was strong early for the Baltimore Orioles in today’s series finale in San Diego. He fell apart a bit in the end of his outing, but he had room to spare. Barely, that is – as it ended up. Povich’s line: 5.0 IP. 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

The O’s led from the very beginning today. Jackson Holliday hit the third pitch of the ballgame out of the ballpark, giving them a 1-0 lead. However it was the third inning that was the big catalyst to victory.

The Orioles led off with a walk and a single. Following a strikeout, Colton Cowser came to the plate. And he broke the game wide open with a three-run home run, giving the Birds a 4-0 lead.

But they weren’t done. Coby Mayo and Alex Jackson followed, giving the O’s back-to-back-to-back home runs. Before the inning ended, Ryan Mountcastle would add an RBI-single, and the Orioles led 7-0 after three. And they needed most of those seven runs.

San Diego figured Povich out after five, however. Machado’s two-run home run cut the lead to 7-2. Following a single and two walks, Cronensworth’s softly-hit infield RBI-single cut it to 7-3. Iglesias would ground into a double-play scoring a fourth run, but that was good news for the Birds. Because it gave them two quick outs and helped them out of the inning.

San Diego would get a fifth run off a solo home run in the seventh. But to me one of the biggest plays of the game was perhaps the most unsung. Representing the tying run, Sheets struck out swinging in the eighth. Sheets swore the ball hit the ground. Replays said otherwise.

But what the replay also showed was that catcher Alex Jackson picked the ball so it didn’t touch the ground. It was definitely fouled off, but Jackson stopped it from hitting the ground. Who knows how the game ends if not for that play.

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Baltimore Orioles win opener in San Diego

Kyle Bradish only went four innings in his second start of the season for the Baltimore Orioles last night at Petco Park in San Diego. It wasn’t the start that Bradish and the O’s would have wanted, but he put the team in a spot to win. Bradish’s line: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K.

The Orioles put two runners in scoring position in the second inning following a single, a walk, and a wild pitch. Samuel Basallo’s, two-RBI double gave the O’s a 2-0 lead. However in the home half of the frame San Diego would get on the board with an RBI-single by Johnson.

The leadoff walk is what hurt Bradish in that inning. Especially this year and especially for the Orioles, those leadoff walks usually are seeming to find a way to trickle in to score. Arraez’s RBI-single later in the inning would tie the game at two.

However Jeremiah Jackson would give them the lead back in the fifth with a solo home run. In the home half of the inning Dietrich Enns committed a throwing error on a bunt, which in effect is the same as a leadoff walk. True to form, that run came around to score – on Laureano’s run-scoring single which tied the game at three.

However on Labor Day Monday, the O’s weren’t going to be denied. Dylan Beavers’ RBI-single in the seventh game them the lead back at 4-3. And the Oriole bullpen shut San Diego down the rest of the way, headlined by Keegan Akin in the ninth.

The series continues this evening at Petco Park. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Orioles and will make his season debut following injury, and he’ll be opposed by San Diego’s Yu Darvish, game time is set for just after 9:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Samuel Basallo leads the parade

Trevor Rogers finished August with yet another outstanding start for the Baltimore Orioles this evening in San Francisco. Rogers has been the closest thing the Birds have had to an ace this year, most poignantly from June or so onwards. Rogers’ line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K.

Rogers gave up a solo homer in the last of the first to Adames. That‘s it. While in the moment it appeared that on the heels of a rough game last night this one would be similar, it ended up being just a blip in the radar. The difference between last night’s game and tonight’s? The bats stayed hit after last night. But the pitching improved leaps and bounds.

The Orioles did actually squander an opportunity or two early on. But they took the lead at 2-1 on Jeremiah Jackson‘a two-run homer in the third. Ryan Mountcastle followed suit later in the inning with a two-run shot of his own, and the O’s led 4-1.

In a game full of offensive highlights however, it was Samuel Basallo in the fourth who made headlines. His solo homer extended the lead to 5-1. However it was the first home run of his career, which by default is noteworthy. Is it the first of a long line of home runs by Basallo in the Orange & Black? One hopes.

The O’s would add a run on an RBI-triple by Jackson Holliday, and a sac fly-RBI by Gunnar Henderson before the inning ended. The Orioles would take a couple of innings off, and the onslaught continued in the seventh with Dylan Beavers’ RBI-single. That extended the lead to 8-1 – did the O’s have some insurance in them?

It’s fair to suggest that eight runs are enough when you’ve only surrendered one. To be clear the Orioles did call off the dogs. They became a station-to-station team, but runs still trickled through. Jeremiah Jackson’s two-RBI double extended the lead to 10-1. Jacksonville would later score on a wild pitch, and the O’s took it 11-1.

Big win for sure, as that snapped a five-game losing streak. Not to mention, the Orioles surrendered 15 runs to this same team last night. However it was also noteworthy for Samuel Basallo’s first major league home run. You only get one first time at something – anything, really. Needless to say, Basallo won’t soon forget Oracle Park.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Oracle Park. Tomoyuki Sugano gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by San Francisco’s Justin Verlander. Game time is set for just after 4 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Giveth and taken away

The Baltimore Orioles used Dietrich Enns as an opener this evening against Boston. I’ve said it before – I’m not a fan of the concept of an “opener.” It’s too quirky and against the traditional grain of baseball, the most traditional of sports. Enns’ line: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K.

Enns’ loan run surrendered was a solo homer by Anthony in the first at-bat of the game. If you think an opener is a fine way to go, fact is it didn’t work. Many will say it did given that they only surrendered one run. But my point would be that the opener is supposed to in essence do what a closer does, save for it being in the first inning. Closers traditionally throw heat.

In the last of the second the Orioles tied it on an RBI-double by Dylan Beavers. I can understand the ruling, but my personal opinion is it should have been an E8. He flared a ball to center, and Rafaela made a diving attempt at the ball. He actually appeared to get it, but he dropped it. Nevertheless that play tied the game at one.

It was another misplay by Rafaela in the seventh that gave the Orioles the lead. Dylan Beavers lined a ball to center, and Rafaela and the left fielder Duran let it fall between them and lodge under the wall. It’s not an error, but it is a miscue by Rafaela (and Duran), and it gave the Orioles the lead.

Boston would put two runners on base with nobody out in the eighth. Tony Mansolino brought in Keegan Akin from the bullpen, who got the O’s out of the inning. He struck out two and induced a ground ball in the infield for a third out.

However he allowed a softly-hit bleeder into left field to start the ninth. He then allowed Rafaela to redeem himself with a two-run homer, which gave Boston the lead and a 3-2 win. This despite Coby Mayo’s epic at-bat on the ninth in an attempt to get on base.

Akin relied too heavily on his changeup in that eighth inning. The home run pitch was a changeup which stayed too far up. He had lived on the corners, so presumably he was aiming for the bottom of the zone. However that’s dangerous, as if you miss like Akin did…you see the result.

The series with Boston concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the #Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Garrett Crochet. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Bradish a hard-luck loser in his return

The big story for the Baltimore Orioles tonight is the return of Kyle Bradish. Perhaps the biggest injury of the season for the Orioles (save for Colton Cowser), and he finally made his debut on August 26th. And it was as good as advertised. Bradish’s line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 10 K.

Bradish gave up solo homers in the second and third. Those came off the bats of Story and Hamilton. Other than that, he was outstanding.

Ten strikeouts is a noteworthy number. In short, Bradish’s return was as good as it could have been. Solo home runs aren’t going to hurt you – unless your offense doesn’t produce. And that was the case tonight.

Boston’s Navarez reached on a fielder’s choice in the eighth, scoring a third run. Boston would score two more in the ninth on Hamilton’s two-RBI double. It was ruled a hit, but it probably should have been an error. Dylan Beavers misplayed the ball in left field, allowing it to drop. It was a hit by default, but it was a routine play.

That’s the risk you run with youth at various positions. Luckily for Beavers he’s been very good over the course of his short time here. But if you’re going to have young guys in the lineup, you have to live with those sorts of plays.

The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. The Orioles are yet to announce a starter, and Boston with throw Brayan Bello. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Bit by instant replay?

Tomoyuki Sugano was solid (ish) for the Baltimore Orioles tonight against Boston at Camden Yards. He put the Birds in a spot to win the game, which is the goal of a starter. Could he have been better? Yes. But he sufficed. Sugano’s line: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K.

Boston took an early lead when Anthony smacked a pitch out of the ballpark during the first at-bat of the game. But Sugano seemed to settle, despite being thrown off kilter early on. Luckily Colton Cowser tied the game in the second with a solo homer of his own.

Cowser would come to the plate again an inning later in the third, and he would do so with the bases loaded. His two-RBI single would give the Orioles. 3-1 lead. However Boston wasn’t finished either.

Duran would come up in the fifth with two on, and would deliver. His three-run home run gave Boston a 4-3 lead. And the Orioles had no response – save for one thing.

Dylan Carlson and the O’s caught a break on his lead off double in the seventh. The ball hit third base umpire Nick Mahrley, and Carlson ended up at second base. Luis Vasquez promptly laid down a bunt back to the pitcher, who threw to third to get Carlson, who was ruled safe.

However Boston challenged the play. Unequivocally, it was a close play – a bang-bang play. The call on the field was safe, which would have given the Orioles runners at the corners with nobody out.

Replays appeared to show that the runner could be out. But was it conclusive? Needless to say, the umpiring crew thought it was. The call was overturned, and the O’s were out of their best chance at evening the score.

My personal opinion is that the runner was probably out. But was there enough evidence to overturn the call on the field? That’s the real question regarding instant replay. It’s not necessarily whether the call should be safe or out. Everything else be damned, it’s supposed to be whether or not the call on the field was overturned.

In my assessment, NO, in this instance there WAS NOT sufficient evidence to overturn the call on the field. So the call should have stood, despite me in the same breath saying that the runner was out. Yes folks, this stuff isn’t easy. We do ourselves a disservice by suggesting that it is, and if the right call is made that’s the goal. Everything else be damned.

If there’s not enough evidence to overturn the call on the field, the call needs to stand. The way we’re supposed to do things is that these are the rules and regulations, and you can’t make exceptions. Yet Boston seemed to get the benefit of the doubt on the call. It was no guarantee that the Orioles would have scored in that sequence of events. But every little bit helps.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish will make his season debut and make the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Lucas Giolito. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles salvage one in Trevor Rogers’ outstanding start

Trevor Rogers was tasked with being the Baltimore Orioles’ stopper this afternoon in the series finale against Houston. The O’s had dropped the first three games of the series in pretty wild fashion. Today was different all around. Rogers’ line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 9 K.

Save for an elevated pitch count, you can’t really go wrong striking out nine. Yet Roger’s still lasted seven innings. And the O’s led early today. Gunnar Henderson’s solo home run in the first gave them a 1-0 lead.

Houston’s speed and aggressiveness would manifest in the third inning. Following a Smith walk he was sacrificed to season and stole third. He would later score on an RBI-single by Pena. That shows how important Houston thought today’s game was.

However Oriole bats couldn’t get much going after that for some time. At one point Houston retired 14 straight Orioles. However Gunnar Henderson’s single with two outs in the last of the sixth broke that up. He would then steal second, as well as third – with nobody covering the bag.

Ryan Mountcastle’s RBI-single would then give the O’s the lead back. Which after a 3-1 pitch that was out of the zone and called a strike, seemed like a long time coming. One inning later in the seventh, Luis Vasquez smacked a solo homer to extend the lead to 3-1. It was Vasquez’s first career home run. And it ended up being huge.

Rico Garcia came in for the eighth, and loaded the bases with one out. He would be replaced by Keegan Akin, who recorded the second out on a sac fly-RBI by Caratini. But he also got the O’s out of the inning, sent Houston down 1-2-3 in the ninth, and recorded the save.

The Vasquez home run was obviously the big play. But the X-factor was Trevor Rogers. He had a slow start with the O’s when he was traded here last year. But he returned to form in 2025. He needs to remain an Oriole going forward.

The O’s open up a four-game set with Boston tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Tomoyuki Sugano gets the start for the O’s, and Boston’s starter is TBD. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: #RIPFlanny

On this day in 2011 the Baltimore Orioles lost former pitcher Mike Flanagan. We all know the story – Flanny was an Oriole through and through. He was beloved by fans of a certain age, including me.

I’ll never forget the day he passed. It was uniquely personal to this fanbase, which treats its star former players as royalty. And rightfully so. May he rest in peace. And as the last Oriole to stand on the mound at Menorial Stadium, mat time never dim the honor of his deeds.

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Baltimore Orioles: Another wild loss

Many fans thought last night’s game was over after Dean Kremer surrendered five runs for the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning. They may have been correct about the final result being a loss, but they were wrong about thr way it would happen. The game was far from over. Kremer’s line: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R (6 earned), 1 BB, 4 K.

Following a leadoff walk, Kremer gave up a two-run homer to Correa. Then a solo home run to Sanchez, and later followed by another two-run shot by Caratini. When the smoke cleared, the Birds trailed 5-0.

Houston was swinging early. However one thing all of the pitches had in common was that they were on the fringes of the plate. They weren’t located in spots one would normally be able to hit the ball the way those balls were struck. And they weren’t just home runs – they were majestic shots.

Has Houston picked up on something Kremer was doing to tip his pitches? Or were they just expecting Kremer to pitch to the black of the plate? Either way, Kremer did settle down a bit. So again another question; did the ORIOLES pick up on Kremer tipping pitches?

For what it’s worth, Kremer continued to pitch to the fringes of the plate. Even on at-bats where he easily retired hitters. Presunably the analytics are telling them there’s a greater probability of victory using that modus operandi.

However as I said, the game was far from over. Gunnar Henderson’s seeing eye RBI-single in the last of the first got the O’s on the board. Henderson proceeded to steal second, and later in the inning he scored as part of Colton Cowser’s two-RBI single. In one half inning, the O’s were within two.

And one inning later, Ryan Mountcastle’s two-run single tied it at five. However Houston allowed the O’s to tie it a couple of times. But they could never quite make it over the hump. Caratini’s grounded into a fielder’s choice in the third with two runners in scoring position. Vimael Machin looked the runner back to third, and threw to first…

…and the rubber at third (Altuve) broke for home as soon as Machin started to throw the ball. Coby Mayo fired and errant throw to the plate, which allowed another run to score. And the O’s trailed 7-5.

That was risky. There’s a reason we use the term looked the runner back to third. Altuve basically mandated that either he was going to be out at home plate, a run was going to score, OR the bases would have been loaded with no out recorded. That sort of aggressiveness looks great on paper and so forth – but it’s risky. Yet it worked.

Jeremiah Jackson’s first big league home run came in the fourth, a solo shot. Colton Cowser would smack a long solo homer in the fifth, tying the game again at seven. But Walker once again hit the O’s hard in the seventh with a two-run home run, putting Houston over the top. Jeremiah Jackson would bring the O’s to within one with an RBI-single in the ninth, but the tying run remained on base.

The series concludes this afternoon at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles drop a wild one too Houston

Cade Povich wasn’t the only Baltimore Orioles pitcher who struggled in last night’s game against Houston at Camden Yards. Heck, he wasn’t the only pitcher on either side who struggled. It was just one of those games in a sense. Povich’s line: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R (4 earned), 2 BB, 5 K.

Houston took a 1-0 lead in the second as a result of two errors – one of which was on Povich. McCormick tried to sacrifice two runners into scoring position, and Povich overthrew him at first allowing a run to score. To make matters worse, Pena smacked a three-run homer in the aftermath, and the Orioles trailed 4-0.

And that really shows that you can’t allow mistakes to balloon. That inning started with a walk, and then a second runner got on by way of an error, before that aforementioned sequence with Povich. And the Orioles were held accountable.

But they also fought back. Alex Jackson’s RBI-single in the fourth inning cut the lead to 4-1 But Houston wasn’t above mistakes either. With two on later in the inning, Jeremiah Jackson sent a deep fly to right, and Houston’s right fielder Smith misplayed the ball. In short, it was in his glove and popped out, allowing two runs to score and cutting the lead to 4-3.

That was ruled a double, but my personal opinion was that it should be an error. The ball was in his glove. It was a tough play, but it seemed more routine than extraordinary. Either way two runs scored.

Povich was lifted in the fifth with two on and one out. Interestingly, Tony Mansolino went to a leverage reliever early, that being Yennier Cano – who surrendered a three-run home run to Walker. Houston had its four-run lead back at 7-3.

But the O’s chipped back. They loaded the bases in the sixth, and Jackson Holliday’s fielder’s choice-RBI cut it to 7-4. Similar results with Jeremiah Jackson, cutting it to 7-5. One inning later Colton Cowser smacked a very loud solo homer which went a long way, and the Orioles were back to within one at 7-6.

However Houston would add three more in the eighth. Two of them came on a two-RBI double by Caratini, a pinch hitter, which was just barely out of the reach of Jeremiah Jackson in right field. Every button Houston pushed last night worked. But needless to say, the Orioles are never out of a game like this. And they came close.

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Cristian Javier. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles extend Samuel Basallo

Prior to this evening’s game against Houston, the Baltimore Orioles extended their top prospect, Samuel Basallo. He signed an eight-year extension worth approximately $67.5 million dollars – could balloon up to $88 million. He’s played four games in the big leagues.

Which is why this move is curious. Boston extended Roman Anthony earlier this season after about a month. This is even less playing time than that. I’ll grant that Basallo looks as good as advertised. But there’s a huge risk involved for the team.

It goes without saying that the team assumes some risk in that Basallo could get injured. Granted, it also shows a level of commitment by the organization and by Basallo. So it goes both ways. You only hope it works out.

You also have to hope that this doesn’t start a trend in MLB. I think it’s a bad idea to give someone this young as much money as Basallo’s getting. I suppose the flip side is that it shows the organization is committed to winning in the future. Time will tell.

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Baltimore Orioles, Brandon Young fall to Houston, and injuries

In his first start since chasing perfection, Brandon Young struggled early for the Baltimore Orioles. Ironically against Houston, the same team against whom he chased perfection last week. But despite giving up a plethora of runs early, Young steadied himself – which was good to see. What wasn’t good to see was how he left the game. Young’s line: 5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 1 K.

Young gave up a two-run home run to Walker, a former Oriole, in the first inning. And seemingly the rout was on. Following a Caratini single in the second, the Orioles appeared to erase the base runner with a ground ball double play. But Houston challenged the call at first, which was easily overturned.

Following another walk, Correa’s two-RBI single gave Houston a 4-0 lead. That challenge call ended up being huge in the inning and in the game. That went from erasing the baserunners to being a fielder’s choice with one on and one out.

One Orioles’ highlight was Dylan Beavers’ first career home run, and it came in the last of the second. That cut the lead to 4-1, but Houston kept the pressure on. Sanchez added an RBI-single in the third, and Diaz a two-run homer which busted the game wide open.

However Brandon Young stopped the bleeding. He retired ten of the final twelve hitters he faced. Many will argue that the damage was already done, and it was. But he found a way to stabilize himself, and lasted until the sixth inning.

And he was lifted with one out in the sixth. He covered first on a routine ground ball in the infield, and pulled up lame after recording the out. My initial concern was an Achilles tendon, but when he limped off the field…needless to say at least he walked (gingerly). The Orioles later said he had hamstring discomfort.

So add Brandon Young to the list of injuries. You can also re-add Adley Rutschman, who went on the IL before the game with an oblique strain – the opposite side of his previous injury. This puts Samuel Basallo as the everyday catcher going forward – at least into September.

On top of that, Felix Bautista had season-ending shoulder surgery, and will miss at least twelve months. That’s devastating for Bautista AND the Orioles. But it’s been next man up literally since March, so they’ll have to find a way. Things are slightly better on the Jordan Westburg front; Westburg is day-to-day with a sore right ankle.

In the bottom of that sixth inning Dylan Beavers would ground into a force out which yielded a run, cutting the lead to 7-2. Luckily the Orioles’ bullpen was strong last night, despite being called into action abruptly. Kyle Bradish is expected to join the team next week for the Boston series, and it could very well be Brandon Young going to the IL as a corresponding move. Tyler Wells is expected back after September 1st,

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Lance McCullers. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: A seemingly unlikely win and sweep

The Baltimore Orioles had to feel like they were playing with house money last night at Fenway Park. They took two-of-three in Houston, and the first game of two in Boston on Monday night. Tomoyuki Sugano was on the mound last night for the finale of the short two-game series, and put the O’s in a spot to win. Sugano’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K.

Sided by a Jackson Holliday error, Sugano put two runners on in the third. With two outs they were both in scoring position, with Wong on third. After two disengagements, it stood to reason that Wong wouldn’t creep too far off of third. There’s a difference between taking a lead and trying to cause a balk, and doing so when the implication is trying to steal home.

Yet Wong took a huge lead, causing Sugano instinctively to step off. That’s a third disengagement, and in alignment with the rules, a balk. Sugano was awarded home plate, and Boston took a 1-0 lead.

Conventional wisdom says you don’t creep that far off third. The Orioles, and everyone watching, assumed Wong would take a moderate lead and leave it at that. He caught us all by surprise, needless to say. Including Tomoyuki Sugano.

But two innings later the O’s put two runners on as well. And Ryan Mountcastle’s RBI-single tied the game at one. Colton Cowser followed with an RBI-double, giving the O’s the lead. He would later score on a wild pitch, and the Birds led 3-1. Put people on base and anything can happen.

Kade Strowd loaded the bases with nobody out in the eighth. He was lifted in favor of Rico Garcia, who was asked to do the impossible. Having Boston load the bases with nobody out at Fenway is almost asking for it. Yet Garcia struck out the side, preserving the lead.

However Lowe’s two-run homer in the last of the ninth against Yaramil Hiraldo tied the game at three. Hiraldo would also load the bases, and induce Story to ground into an inning-ending double-play. Getting us to extra innings.

The Orioles would also load the bases in the tenth – and got out of it. With the ghost runner getting to third with one out in the 11th, Samuel Basallo’s run-scoring groundout gave them the lead at 4-3. The game should have been tied before it ended.

With one out and the ghost runner on third, Anthony flied out to center. However the runner at third (Eaton) inexplicably didn’t tag up and run. If you combine that with the fact that the Orioles loaded the bases in the eighth, ninth, and tenth (and pitched out of it), it stands to reason that they pulled a rabbit out of a hat. As many times as they’ve lost despite conventional wisdom this year, this time they got one back.

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Baltimore Orioles: Samuel Basallo makes big league debut in Birds’ runaway win

The Baltimore Orioles and Dean Kremer joined their NFL counterparts in beating a Texas team. Granted if you go back to Friday night the O’s had already done that, prior to the Ravens beating the Dallas Cowboys last night. But nevertheless, Kremer out dueled Houston by shutting them out, and throwing the most pitches he’s thrown all year. Kremer’s line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K.

This game was always going to be noteworthy once the Orioles opted to promote Samuel Basallo to the big leagues this afternoon. He was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat, and didn’t record a hit in the game. But he’s here, and he hit out of the DH role.

The Orioles loaded the bases in the third on three consecutive base hits. Gunnar Henderson then made a bid for a grand slam, but Houston right fielder Sanchez would rob him of that with an amazing leaping catch at the wall. However it went as a sac fly-RBI, giving the O’s a 1-0 lead.

Three straight fifth inning singles doubled the lead in the fifth, with Jackson Holliday’s RBI-single being the big one. Every Oriole who reached base in the inning would touch home plate, however. Jordan Westburg’s three-run homer broke the game wide open and gave the O’s a 5-0 lead.

Westburg would tack on an RBI-single in the seventh. Adley Rutschman would also add an RBI-groundout. Samuel Basallo also made a play for his first major league hit, and it would have been a home run. But Sanchez struck again in right field, making an incredible catch on the ball. In terms of winning and losing the game of course, it meant relatively little.

The O’s also exploded again in the eighth, in a sequence started by Jordan Westburg’s RBI-single. It also featured Samuel Basallo’s first major league hit. It was a two-RBI single, and it extended the Orioles’ lead to 12-0.

Kremer is reminding coaches and fans alike that he’ll have a big role on this team next year. He’s very quietly had a good season. That cemented itself this afternoon.

The O’s now head to Boston for the first of a two-game series at Fenway Park. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Dustin May. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Not perfect, but FOREVER YOUNG

Coming into tonight’s game in Houston, the Baltimore Orioles were focusing on Brandon Young continuing the string of quality starts of late. This in Houston, about 90 miles from Young’s hometown. With his entire family and half the town in attendance. The movie, The Rookie comes to mind. Young’s line: 8.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K.

However come the end of the game, it was another baseball movie that was coming to mind, For The Love of the Game. Keep in mind, Young was coming off of perhaps his worst big league start last weekend against the Athletics, And in his hometown he followed that up perhaps the best start by an Oriole pitcher in years. And an unforgettable first major league win in the process. If you’re looking to next year and onwards, Young’s a keeper,

The O’s took a 1-0 lead on a solo homer in the third by Coby Mayo. Two innings later Gunnar Henderson plated a run on a sac fly-RBI. A third run scored on a throwing error.

Gunnar Henderson would add an RBI-single in the seventh, as would Jeremiah Jackson in the eighth. The O’s would also tack on two additional runs on a Dylan Carlson two-run home run. All of that combined for a 7-0 Orioles win in Houston.

But Brandon Young was the story. Anytime someone records their first big league win, he’s the story. Especially in his hometown, in front of his entire cadre of family and friends. But…wow.

Young came within four outs of a perfect game. With one out in the eighth inning, Young’s former teammate, former Oriole Ramon Urias, got aboard with a swinging bunt. He ended up on second base as a result of Young’s throwing error.

So in his first big league win, Brandon Young tossed eight innings of one-hit baseball, surrendering one hit and committing a throwing error. Included in that was a perfect game bid, and in his hometown none the less. Again needless to say, that was the best start for this franchise in several years.

Outstanding. Not perfect, but outstanding. It really shows you how difficult it is to toss a perfect game or no-hitter. You can’t under any circumstances think that Brandon Young is going to have outings like this the rest of his career. That isn’t sustainable. But hopefully he takes this momentum onward. He silenced one of the most potent lineups in baseball tonight in his first major league victory.

The series continues tomorrow night at Daikin Park. Cade Povich gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Jason Alexander. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: “Action Jackson’s” rule the night

The motif last night for the Baltimore Orioles was better late than never. That’s said in the context of the hour and forty minute rain delay to kick things off before Trevor Rogers could start the game. And he spun a gem for the O’s last night – the O’s who to date hadn’t had a walk off win all year. Rogers’ line: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K.

Dean Kremer went eight on Tuesday and gave up one run, and then Rogers’ outing last night. This against one of the hottest lineups in baseball. Unfortunately for Rogers, Oriole bats were once again quiet – early, that is.

The lone run that Rogers surrendered came in the seventh when Naylor slapped an RBI-single following a leadoff triple. But that was okay given that Ryan Mountcastle sent the first pitch he saw in the home half of the inning over the wall for a home run that tied the game at one.

Later in the inning after a single by Ryan Noda, Jeremiah Jackson’s RBI-triple gave them the lead. Jackson would also score on a throwing error, pushing it to 3-1. Also known as a “little league homer.” For what it’s worth, Jackson was also a pinch hitter.

Yennier Cano came on in the closer’s role in the ninth. He gave up a single and a walk, putting two runners on, and then Seattle executed a double steal. An RBI-groundout and a sac fly-RBI would tie the game at three, with Keegan Akin replacing Cano in the middle of the inning.

Yet, the home team bats last. The O’s recorded two quick outs in the inning, before Dylan Carlson got aboard with a single. Keep in mind, the O’s hadn’t won a game in walk off fashion yet this year, this with Jackson Holliday striding to the plate.

That Carlson single may have been the key. That turned the order over to get to Jackson Holliday. In a 2-1 count he sent a liner into the right field corner for an RBI-double that won it for the Birds. In a game that was wayward from the get go due to the weather, the O’s were able to record their first walk off win of the year.

The Jackson’s of course pushed in the big runs. Jeremiah Jackson and Jackson Holliday. But again the biggest play may have been Dylan Carlson getting on base. In that situation if you’re Seattle, you have to look at the scoreboard and recognize that if that guy gets aboard, you turn over the order. Some days you win, some days you lose, and some days it rains. Yesterday two of those things were true for the Birds.

The series concludes this afternoon with Seattle at Camden Yards. Tomoyuki Sugano gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Seattle’s Logan Evans. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Just barely not enough

From the immediate outset it appeared that it was going to be a long night for Dean Kremer and the Baltimore Orioles. Kremer allowed a run and some traffic on the bases in the first inning. But he pitched out of it. And that may have set off the best start of his career. Kremer’s line: 8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

After leading off the game with a single, Arozarena stole second base. He would later score on Naylor’s RBI-single. Again, it appeared that it might be a long night at that point. But that was the nadir of Kremer’s outing. Unfortunately it’s all that was needed.

That 1-0 lead stood the entire game. The best shot the Orioles had was in the ninth inning when Seattle closer Munoz appeared to take an elongated rest on the mound. With a runner on and two outs, trainers brought out hydration fluids, and he seemed to take a blow smack in the middle of the inning.

He would later compose himself, but his velocity was down. However Ryan Mountcastle grounded out to end the game, and the Orioles fell, 1-0. Dean Kremer deserved better…

…he really did. It’s no exaggeration to say this may have been the best start of his career. And it goes down as an eight inning loss. You can’t win if you can’t score. That much is a fact.

The sequence at the end of the game was curious. Was Munoz dehydrated? Was he in pain? Tough to say, but the game was allowed to be delayed for a time.

The series continues tomorrow night Zar Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Seattle’s Logan Gilbert. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM,

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Baltimore Orioles: Can’t close them out

Brandon Young didn’t have it tonight for the Baltimore Orioles. Then again, neither did the bullpen relievers that followed him. And save for a brief moment, neither did Oriole bats. Young’s line: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 2 K.

Before the game of course MASN broadcaster Tom Davis, former outfielder Joe Orsulak, and of course former outfielder Adam Jones were inducted into the Orioles’ Hall of Fame. Needless to say, the Orioles do things such as their Hall of Fame Induction correctly. Nostalgia is a huge part of sports, and this is a very traditional fan base. The O’s are the masters at what you might call Field of Dreams style moments.

But that was perhaps the biggest highlight for the O’s. Maybe not – after the Athletics smacked a two-run home run in the first inning, Gunnar Henderson hit a three-run shot in the home half of the frame, a homer that was set up by Jordan Westburg butcher boying his way on base. So the Orioles did lead the game for a moment. However in the wake of that Henderson homer, 15 consecutive Orioles were retired.

One thing Young and other Orioles pitchers had in common tonight is they couldn’t get out of at-bats. With two strikes guys would find a way to get on base. That began in the first at-bat of the game when Young started out 0-2, and walked the hitter. The two-run homer ensued. You have to get out of at-bats.

Similarly, Rooker’s three-run home run in the third gave the Athletics the lead back. And that came after the precious hitter was in a two-strike hole. Hernias would add a sac fly-RBI to extend the lead to 6-3 before the inning ended.

The fifth inning was the killer. The Athletics put up five runs. And it could have been worse had Adley Rutschman not picked a runner off third. And again, the O’a couldn’t put the capper on. With two outs Hernaiz grounded back to the pitcher, Yaramil Hiraldo. Hiraldo muffed the ball, allowing the runner to reach,

Four of the five runs that scored in the inning came on the heels of that play. Which happened on another two-strike count. Obviously in that instance the pitcher (Hiraldo) in theory did get out of the situation. That would have been the third out. Until it wasn’t. The Athletics may be at a reduced power level, but you can’t give them multiple chances.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by the Athletics’ Luis Morales. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles lifted by Ryan Mountcastle in his return

Tomoyuki Sugano got the start for the Baltimore Orioles this evening in game one against the Athletics. This in the kickoff game for Orioles’ Hall of Fame weekend. Tomorrow Joe Orsulak, broadcaster Tom Davis, and of course the great Adam Jones will be inducted into the team Hall of Fame. But for starters Sugano pitched a gem. Sugano’s line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K.

After Sugano retired the A’s quickly in the first, the Oriole offense got to it. Following a Gunnar Henderson walk, Adley Rutschman smacked a two-run home run. In his return to the majors after being injured, Ryan Mountcastle went back-to-back with Rutschman and smacked a solo home run in the immediate aftermath.

That gave the Birds a 3-0 lead, The Mountcastle homer is noteworthy because of his absence. We last saw Ryan Mountcastle in late May when he went on the IL. Then again, who hasn’t been on the IL this year? Mountcastle’s absence has certainly been felt. But his presence was also felt tonight.

And Oriole bats weren’t able to muster much more. So it’s a good thing that Mountcastle smacked that home run, as the Athletics chipped away. Urias’ sac fly-RBI in the fifth cut the lead to 3-1. The Athletics threatened again in the eighth, scoring a second run on Soderstrom’s RBI-single.

But the O’s would pitch out of that jam, and close the Athletics down 1-2-3 in the ninth. Overall, a nice win to kick off hall of fame weekend. And yes, that Ryan Mountcastle solo homer at the tail end of the first inning was the big play.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by the Athletics’ Jack Perkins. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: You can’t nibble

In his return from the IL, Cade Povich was good tonight at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. Not perfect, but good. Not great, but good enough to win. 5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 7 K.

Povich was a hard-luck loser, albeit not in the way we might normally think. This wasn’t necessarily a pitcher’s duel. But in a perfect world, Povich would have actually gotten the win as opposed to the loss.

Povich surrendered a solo homer to Harper in the first inning. However the O’s battled in the early innings. Tyler O’Neill smacked a two-run home run in the second to thrust the Orioles into the lead at 2-1. They would extend it to 3-1 in the third on Jordan Westburg’s solo homer.

The interesting thing is that those two home runs were on pitches well out of the strike zone. It seems like the Orioles couldn’t heed what they were being told by that. They couldn’t see that weak pitches out of the zone weren’t going onto cut it.

Povich was lifted in the seventh after recording two outs and allowing a base hit. Interestingly, that base hit was a contested play. Gunnar Henderson made an amazing play to get to a Realmuto grounder in the hole, and the throw wasn’t in time. The Orioles challenged the play, but the call was upheld. My personal opinion is that he was rightfully out. But there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the call on the field.

Following a Castellanos single, Corbin Martin’s four-seam fastball was slugged into the stands by Bader to give Philadelphia a 6-3 lead. All of the pitches in the Bader at-bat were either out of the strike zone, or on the fringes. This with Corbin Martin on the mound.

Martin would also surrender an RBI-single to Wilson, and then an emphatic grand slam to Schwarber. Philadelphia would also tack on two additional solo home runs in the eighth. And the O’s fell 13-3 in the series opener.

Prior to the Schwarber grand slam, Martin issued a walk to Turner – again, primarily by nibbling. On a 1-2 pitch, Martin had Turner struck out. Pitch track showed the pitch in the fringes of the strike zone.

But when you constantly nibble on the strike zone, you aren’t going to get that call. Povich got tagged with the loss, but he shouldn’t have. It’s merely a technicality that an inherited runner scored. Povich attacked the strike zone. Subsequent Oriole pitchers didn’t. They tried to nibble on the fringes and get cheap strikes. And home plate umpire Jim Wolf wasn’t having it.

When Martin was forced to throw the ball more over the plate with the bases loaded, Schwarber had the ability to sit on a fastball. And it wasn’t good enough to overpower Schwarber.

When you’re forced to pitch to a heavy hitter like Schwarber, odds are he knows you have to pitch to him. Sometimes that’s the line between winning and losing. That can also be defined by things such as instant replay. Had Coby Mayo stretched just a little further to get the ball on the instant replay review prior to the grand slam, it never happens.

The series continues tomorrow night at Citizen’s Bank Park. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Taijuan Walker. Game time is set for 6:45 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles fall despite unlikely heroics

Brandon Young is still looking for his first major league win for the Baltimore Orioles. Not a terrible outing at Wrigley Field this afternoon, but he had to labor. Despite neither of the runs he gave up being earned. Young’s line: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R (0 earned), 2 BB, 4 K.

Jeremiah Jackson committed a two-base error in the first inning, dropping a pop fly. That was followed by Suzuki’s RBI-single, and Chicago led 1-0. Happ’s subsequent run-scoring double multiplied the lead by two.

That’s the argument against a youth movement. You have to eventually bring young guys up, especially in the situation in which the Orioles find themselves now. But you also have to subsequently live with errors like that. Incidentally Jackson somewhat redeemed himself at the end of the inning when a third run tried to score on the Happ double (in the form of Kelly), and he got an assist on the putout at home plate.

Gunnar Henderson would get the O’s on the board in the third with a fielder’s choice-RBI. One inning later it was tied on an RBI-single by Colton Cowser. The Orioles may be at a disadvantage due to various reasons right now, but they don’t give up either.

Chicago would put two runners on in the last of the sixth, the second of which coming on a fluky play. The ball deflected off the base of the pitcher’s mound, and went into the outfield. That’s very typical of the 2025 Orioles. If it’s fluky and it could happen, it has happened. The same is true of the subsequent RBI-single by Swanson which gave Chicago a 3-2 lead.

I’ve said this a million times – the Orioles are playing their outfield slightly too deep. I understand that analytics say that’s what to do, but when you have softly hit balls such as that of Swanson, the outfielders can’t make the play. Soft contact has killed this team this year. And we saw it again today.

The Orioles trailed 3-2 down to their final out. Colton Cowser was on second base after a double, and the Birds sent up Ryan Noda as a pinch hitter. Noda was picked up on waivers yesterday. He’s bounced around with various teams and in various teams’ farm systems. He’s an Illinois native, and he was coming to bat in Wrigley Field with the game on the line…

…and he delivered. His RBI-single tied the game at three. Unfortunately however, Turner’s two-run homer in the last of the ninth won it for Chicago. Valiant effort on the Orioles’ part, but the home team bats last.

The O’s now head to Philadelphia to open up a three-game set at Citizen’s Bank Park. Cade Povich returns to the majors after a rehab to make the start, and Philadelphia is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for 6:45 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: The confines were friendly to Gunnar Henderson

Tomoyuki Sugano labored through five innings for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon at Wrigley Field. In short, he set the table. But a laborious afternoon, and not a perfect one. But one where he was able to help the Orioles at least hang around. Sugano’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

Chicago put two runners in scoring position in the second, and Horner’s RBI-single gave them a 1-0 lead. McGuire’s sac fly-RBI would extend it to 2-0. Jordan Westburg led off the fourth with a single, and was promptly picked off of first. You can’t let that happen.

Chicago starter Boyd has a strange pickoff move that’s borderline to being a balk, quite frankly, it could go either way. The umpire didn’t rule it a balk, so it was an out. In the hole half of the inning Horner would tack on an RBI-single, and Chicago led 3-0.

However Oriole pitching buckled down in the wake of that fourth inning and mowed hitters down. Which was good, because the O’s couldn’t afford any more runs surrendered. Keep in mind, the O’s hadn’t scored a run since the trade deadline.

Colton Cowser walked to lead off the eighth inning. Jeremiah Jackson followed with a single. Later in the inning Jordan Westburg’s RBI-single got the O’s on the board and cut the Chicago lead to 3-1. At least they ended the mini-scoreless streak.

Backing up a second, with one out in the inning Jackson Holiday grounded into a force out. Chicago couldn’t turn two, and the inning continued. Which means that had they turned two, Gunnar Henderson wouldn’t have come up.

And if you watched the game you know what happened. Henderson smacked a three-run home run to right field, giving the Orioles an impromptu 4-3 lead. You don’t get more clutch than that.

Keegan Akin put the winning run on base in the ninth, but retired the side for the save. There are legitimate criticisms to be made of the Orioles this year, along with a lot of other things that were out of their realm of control. But in a year where nothing’s gone right, that’s as improbable a win as you’ll see.

The series concludes tomorrow at Wrigley Field – the Friendly Confines. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Chicago’s Colin Rea. Game time is set for 2:20 PM.

Baltimore Orioles lock up Shane Baz

Shane Baz hasn’t thrown a pitch in Baltimore yet, but he has signed a contract extension with the Baltimore Orioles. While the team hasn’t announced the extension, Baz is reported to have signed a five-year deal worth $68 million.

That’s a good thing. BUT…it mate have been prudent to have at least allowed Baz to throw a pitch for the O’s before doing an extension. But needless to say, the Orioles got their man.