ATLANTA – The Fourth of July matchup between the Orioles and Braves lacked the expected excitement, but their recent afternoon game certainly made up for it, featuring a total of five home runs in an exhilarating extra-innings finish. The Orioles triumphed, edging the Braves 9-6.
This win was particularly vital for the Orioles after a tough stretch against elite pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Spencer Strider. Orioles manager Tony Mansolino expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I feel like our guys have swung the bat good here for the last month, and I thought today was a pretty good indication of it.” The game showcased a strong offensive effort against a formidable Braves bullpen, especially against left-handed pitchers, which had been a challenge for the team in recent months.
Dean Kremer took the mound for Baltimore, aiming to continue his solid performance since May 1, but he faced hurdles in the first inning when he gave up a two-run home run to Austin Riley following a Matt Olson double. Kremer acknowledged some struggles with command, noting, “I think command was solid today… but no, they did a good job waiting me out.”
The game progressed into an offensive barrage, with Tyler O’Neill putting the Orioles on the board with a deep solo shot, and Jordan Westburg following with an impressive two-run homer that hit the center field. Yet, the Braves quickly responded, tying the game through Olson’s solo shot and Riley’s subsequent RBI-double.
The intensity continued as the teams exchanged leads, with Colton Cowser adding to the Orioles tally with a powerful two-run home run on an 0-2 count, illustrating his resilience as a hitter this season. However, a flurry of runs from the Braves kept the game tightly contested.
In the later innings, the game fell into a stalemate, leading to extra innings. Notably, Ramón Laureano made a significant impact in extras, driving in key runs to give Baltimore the lead. His abilities were highlighted by Mansolino as he mentioned Laureano’s underrated candidacy for the All-Star Game.
Adding to the drama, Jacob Stallings, who entered the game as an injury replacement, came through with a crucial double off the bench, extending the lead towards the game’s conclusion. Yennier Cano, returning from Triple-A Norfolk, shut down the Braves in the ninth, securing the victory.
With this win, the Orioles not only claimed a series victory but also positioned themselves for a potential sweep in their next game. The optimism in the clubhouse is palpable as they strive to improve their standings heading before the trade deadline. This victorious effort speaks to the team’s resilience and a strong potential as they continue their season, emphasizing that the race is far from over.