Baltimore Orioles Secure Crucial Win, Breaking Arizona Diamondbacks’ Playoff Hopes
The Baltimore Orioles delivered a crushing blow to the playoff hopes of the Arizona Diamondbacks with an impressive 8-5 victory on Sunday. Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg played pivotal roles in the win, both contributing crucial doubles during a four-run sixth inning that broke open a tight game.
The Orioles’ triumph marked their second consecutive win in the three-game series, leaving the Diamondbacks struggling with five losses in their past six games. Currently, the D-backs find themselves in a three-way tie with the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins for the final playoff spot in the National League wild-card race. All three teams boast a 70-67 record, intensifying the competition for the coveted postseason berth.
In the sixth inning, the Orioles managed to break a 4-all tie with an explosive display of offense, notching four runs to seize control of the game. Ryan O’Hearn kick-started the rally with a leadoff double to deep center, subsequently driven home by Cedric Mullins’ single. Pinch-hitter Jordan Westburg added an RBI double down the left-field line, while Adley Rutschman’s double brought in two more runs, securing an 8-4 lead for the Orioles.
The downfall continued for Arizona’s ace pitcher Zac Gallen (14-7), who has been considered one of the frontrunners for the National League Cy Young award. Gallen endured another difficult start, surrendering five runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. Despite striking out four batters and giving up just one walk, he struggled to contain Baltimore’s relentless offense.
Although the Diamondbacks initially trailed 4-1 after the second inning, they mounted a spirited comeback with a run in the third and two more in the fifth, effectively leveling the score. The rookie Corbin Carroll played a significant role in the rally, launching a solo home run that narrowed the margin to 4-2. Carroll would go on to score the game-tying run on a wild pitch by Jack Flaherty.
Flaherty, the Orioles’ starting pitcher, pitched admirably but ultimately fell short, allowing four runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings. Despite his seven strikeouts and strong performance, he was unable to maintain the lead for Baltimore.
Several Orioles players shone throughout the game, with Cedric Mullins leading the way with three hits. Gunnar Henderson, Ramon Urias, Adam Frazier, and Ryan O’Hearn also made significant contributions with two hits each. Pitcher Danny Coulombe (5-1) earned the win for the Orioles, delivering 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to solidify their victory.
Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks added a glimmer of hope in the ninth inning, crushing his 30th home run of the season. The solo shot to left center brought the score to 8-5, but it wasn’t enough to mount a full comeback against the resilient Orioles.
The game was not without its controversies, as the Orioles narrowly missed turning a crucial double play in the fifth inning. Despite fielding a groundball and attempting to tag Geraldo Perdomo, Gunnar Henderson narrowly missed making the play. The speedy Corbin Carroll managed to beat the throw to first base, frustrating the Orioles and providing the Diamondbacks with an opening. This missed opportunity proved pivotal as the Diamondbacks capitalized, scoring two runs to tie the game at 4-all.
In other news, Ryan Mountcastle of the Orioles returned to the starting lineup after missing two games due to illness. On the Diamondbacks’ side, Christian Walker was absent from the starting lineup after being hit in the right elbow with a pitch during Saturday’s game. Additionally, outfielder Tommy Pham was surprisingly scratched from the lineup for undisclosed reasons.
Looking ahead, the Orioles are set to face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series starting Monday. Grayson Rodriguez (4-3, 5.03 ERA) will take the mound for the Orioles, while the Angels will counter with Kenny Rosenberg (0-0, 6.43 ERA).
The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, will host the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series also beginning Monday. Merrill Kelly (10-6, 3.31 ERA) is slated to start for the D-backs, aiming to secure a crucial victory in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
