Cedric Mullins & Gary Sánchez hit back-to-back HRs to lead the Orioles past the Angels 6-5 on June 14. See how Sánchez's return sparked the comeback win!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season that's been a grind, Saturday night at Camden Yards delivered a jolt of pure electricity. With one swing, Cedric Mullins turned a deficit into a lead. Moments later, the returning Gary Sánchez provided the exclamation point. Back-to-back sixth-inning home runs propelled the Orioles to a dramatic 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels, reminding everyone just how quickly this team can ignite.
Welcome back, Gary! Sánchez homers in his first game since late April, providing an instant spark to the lineup.
The Orioles entered the bottom of the sixth trailing 4-3, with the Angels' bats, led by two homers from Luis Rengifo and one from Mike Trout, looking formidable. That all changed in a flash. Cedric Mullins stepped to the plate and launched a two-run blast, his 11th of the season, sending the Camden Yards faithful into a frenzy. Before the cheers could even die down, Gary Sánchez, in his first game since being activated from the IL, followed with a solo shot of his own. The back-to-back jacks turned a one-run deficit into a 6-4 lead that the O's would not relinquish.
What a return for 'The Kraken.' Sidelined with right wrist inflammation since late April, Gary Sánchez's presence was immediately felt. His solo home run wasn't just an insurance run; it was a statement. The power he brings to the catcher position has been sorely missed, and his instant contribution provides a massive psychological and offensive boost to a lineup that needs every spark it can get.
It wasn't a perfect night on the mound, but it was effective enough. Starter Tomoyuki Sugano battled through five innings, surrendering three runs. The bullpen took over from there, and while Keegan Akin gave up a solo shot to Luis Rengifo, the combination of Bryan Baker and the ever-reliable Félix Bautista slammed the door. Bautista navigated the ninth to secure the win, proving once again that if the O's can get him the ball with a lead, the game is all but over.
While the long balls stole the show, the victory was a true team effort. Early in the game, key RBI singles from Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg kept the Orioles within striking distance, setting the stage for the sixth-inning heroics. It was a complete offensive performance that saw the team manufacture runs when needed and deliver the power punch at the perfect moment.
This was more than just another win. It was a gritty, character-building victory fueled by a dramatic power surge and the triumphant return of a key player. The O's improve to 29-40, and while there's a long season ahead, nights like this provide hope and excitement. With Sánchez back in the lineup and the bats showing life, the Orioles will look to carry this electrifying momentum into the next game and prove that the magic is alive and well in Baltimore.
