The Orioles' 6-game win streak ends in a 5-4 heartbreaker to the Athletics on June 7, 2025. Despite a huge night from Jackson Holliday, Dean Kremer struggled.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
All good things must come to an end. For the Baltimore Orioles, their red-hot six-game winning streak was extinguished Friday night under the West Coast lights, as they fell 5-4 to the Oakland Athletics in a frustrating, back-and-forth affair. It was a classic 'what could have been' game, with the Birds jumping out to an early lead only to see it evaporate in one tough inning.
The Orioles' team ERA now stands at 5.10, third-worst in MLB.
The O's looked poised to make it seven straight, jumping out to a 3-0 lead thanks in part to a two-run blast from Dylan Carlson in the second. But the game turned on a dime in the bottom of the third. Starter Dean Kremer, who has struggled with consistency, couldn't find his footing and was tagged for four runs in the frame, giving the A's a lead they would never relinquish. Kremer's final line—5.1 innings, eight hits, five earned runs—was a step back and a stark reminder of the team's biggest challenge.
Even in a loss, the kids provided a spark. Jackson Holliday was a one-man wrecking crew at the plate, finishing just a triple shy of the cycle. He doubled early and later launched a solo homer that kept the Orioles in the fight. His performance is a massive silver lining, showcasing the elite talent that has fans so excited. Unfortunately, the rally fell short when A's flamethrowing closer Mason Miller slammed the door, striking out Adley Rutschman and Heston Kjerstad in crucial late-game at-bats.
Let's be honest, the winning streak was thrilling, but it was often happening in spite of the pitching, not because of it. The loss puts a spotlight back on the team's most glaring weakness. The Orioles' collective ERA has ballooned to 5.10, which ranks as the third-worst mark in all of Major League Baseball. You can't out-slug your problems every night, and Kremer's start was a perfect example. The offense did enough to win, but the pitching couldn't hold up its end of the bargain.
The beauty of baseball is you get to do it all again tomorrow. The Orioles will hand the ball to veteran Charlie Morton (2-7, 6.20 ERA) on Saturday, hoping his experience can stop the bleeding and get the team back in the win column against the A's Luis Severino. While the big league club sorts itself out, the future continues to look bright down on the farm. Top prospect Samuel Basallo went deep again for Triple-A Norfolk, a reminder that more help is always brewing in what remains one of baseball's best farm systems.
One loss doesn't define a season, but it does serve as a reality check. The Orioles have the offensive firepower to hang with anyone, but their postseason hopes will ultimately hinge on whether the pitching staff can find some semblance of consistency. All eyes will be on Charlie Morton on Saturday to see if he can be the stopper the team desperately needs. Time to start a new streak.
