Brandon Young’s bid for a perfect game was one for the history books, even if it wasn’t complete. The Orioles’ rookie, who entering the outing carried a 6.70 ERA through his first 10 major league starts, came within four outs of a perfect game before Ramón Urías spoiled it with an infield single in the eighth inning, as Baltimore rolled to a 7-0 win over the Astros at Daikin Park.
Young’s outing was nothing short of memorable. He retired 23 consecutive hitters before Urías’ grounder—an infield hit that also went as an error on first baseman Coby Mayo—snapped the string. The ball was chopped to the left side, Young made a barehanded grab and fired off his back foot, but Mayo’s throw to first skipped past Mayo for the hit and an error. It was a moment that had the ballpark buzzing, with Urías and his family among the many fans who had made the 90-minute trip from Lumberton, Texas to watch him perform.
Young had not previously worked past seven innings in a major league start, and his previous outing saw him last just three innings while allowing six runs. Yet on this night, he was cruising against the American League West-leading Astros, throwing just 74 pitches through the seventh and yielding weak contact and routine fly balls. The prospect of history still hovered as he approached the end of the seventh, but the eighth would bring a jolt.
Defensive plays kept the no-hitter intact for longer than it might have lasted. In the seventh, Dylan Carlson nearly crashed into the wall chasing a ball in foul territory as Jesús Sánchez flew out; Mayo’s fielding play to Young helped preserve the bid. In the eighth, Yainer Díaz lifted a fly to right-center for a long out, and the two out at the plate sequence that followed was a reminder of how thin the line between a historic performance and a regular one can be.
The Orioles had plenty of offense to back Young, who appeared to settle into a rhythm from the start. They plated seven runs on the night, a strong statement against the Astros, and the win added to a season filled with notable milestones and individual performances. Baltimore has a history of strong pitching staffs and late-inning depth, and this outing underscored that the club can lean on young arms when they’re executing.
This night also carried a broader context for the Orioles. It marked yet another reminder of the franchise’s long history with no perfect games in its ledger, a distinction that endured until someone finally came closer than any other rookie in recent memory. Young’s near-miss added to a list of notable near-misses for a club that often uses close calls to fuel its motivation and growth.
On the roster and within the clubhouse, the Orioles were also juggling other developments. Colton Cowser is on the concussion injured list but is expected back this weekend, per interim manager Tony Mansolino. Cowser’s latest stint was highlighted by his presence in the lineup prior to the collision in Philadelphia, and his return is eagerly anticipated as Baltimore continues to evaluate its outfield options for 2025.
The day’s notes included updates about the Orioles’ outfield configuration. With Allen and Carlson getting the majority of the playing time and Jeremiah Jackson contributing in right field in occasional starts, the team is balancing performance and development. Jackson, who had multiple hits in the game, has shown surprising speed and contact ability, including a 108.8 mph single that helped spark the offense. His early success is a bright sign for a player who could play a key role in the future, either as a contributor in the near term or as a versatile option later on.
The Orioles also touched on personnel depth. An upcoming roster move was anticipated, with plans to add an outfielder to the active roster on Sunday, though no specifics on the player were announced at that time. Beavers, who had not been added to the 40-man roster for this trip, did not travel with the club, underscoring the team’s selective approach to bringing prospects to the majors during important series.
Injury updates kept fans informed as well. Colton Cowser’s status remains a primary talking point, with confidence that he should return from concussion-related time on the injured list soon. His health and progress have been a focus for the Orioles as they consider long-term outfield options and balance development with winning today.
From a pitching perspective, the night featured Tyler Wells’s rehab outing with Norfolk. Wells threw 77 pitches (52 strikes) over five innings, allowing three runs and six hits with one walk, five strikeouts, and a home run. The club sees him as a step toward reintegrating him into the rotation, with likely one or two more outings before a return to the big league mound.
In the bullpen, the Orioles continued to spread the load. Eight different Orioles have recorded a save this season, led by Félix Bautista with 19, with several others contributing one or two saves. This depth has been critical as the club navigates a long season and looks to maximize late-inning performance.
Individually, Gunnar Henderson continued his torrid pace, leading the team in doubles, triples and hits. He has been a dynamic force for Baltimore, and his continued production would be a cornerstone as the Orioles pursue sustained success. Henderson also held a high-level reputation for his defensive reliability and his clutch hitting, contributing to a season-long push for the Orioles’ lineup stability.
Adley Rutschman has slowly built a reputation for consistency as well. Having appeared in 458 games across four seasons, he is on a path that could place him among Orioles legends if he maintains his current pace. He stands to become one of the few players to reach 450 hits and 250 walks within the first 500 games of his career, a milestone that would underscore his dual threat as both hitter and on-base threat.
The organization’s pipeline remains active, too. Caden Bodine, the 30th overall selection in this year’s draft out of Coastal Carolina, is making noise in three professional games, going 6-for-11 with Delmarva. Pipeline ranks Bodine as a top-10 prospect in the organization, a testament to the Orioles’ continued emphasis on young talent alongside established major-league performers. Bodine’s development could play a significant role in the club’s future, supplementing the ongoing contributions from more seasoned players.
Bottom line: Young’s near-perfect performance provided a thrilling highlight in a night that showcased the Orioles’ mix of potential, depth, and resilience. The club’s ability to move through injuries and roster moves while still fielding a competitive team with strong pitching and timely hitting remains a bright sign for the season ahead. If Young’s breakthrough start is a harbinger of things to come, Baltimore could be positioned to capitalize on a growing wave of young talent in the rotation and lineup.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Orioles assess roster moves, monitor Cowser’s return, and plot the next steps for Wells’s comeback in the rotation. The journey toward a complete, dominant performance continues, with a hopeful outlook for fans who love a team that fights for every win.
Summary takeaway: A historic near-miss underscored the Orioles’ blend of youth and depth, highlighted by Young’s impressive, poised performance and a lineup that continues to produce at key moments. The team remains poised to build on this momentum as it navigates injuries, roster adjustments, and the ongoing development of promising prospects.