Orioles top Braves 9-6 on July 7, 2025, after Jacob Stallings' clutch 10th-inning hit. See how the win impacts GM Mike Elias' trade deadline plans.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you have this Orioles team figured out, they pull you back in. On a Sunday that could have been just another loss in a challenging season, the Birds showed incredible fight, storming back to defeat the Atlanta Braves 9-6 in a 10-inning nail-biter that had everything a fan could ask for: late-game heroics, unlikely saviors, and a shutdown closer.
We're still fighting and playing for 2025.
The game felt destined for a different outcome until the 10th inning exploded with orange and black. Ramón Laureano delivered the first big blow, lacing a go-ahead RBI double to give the Orioles the lead. But the true story was Jacob Stallings. The veteran catcher, who has battled at the plate all season, came through in the biggest spot with a clutch two-run single that broke the game open. It was a massive moment for Stallings and a huge relief for the team. With a three-run cushion, Félix Bautista did what he does best, slamming the door with a final strikeout to secure a hard-fought series win.
While the players were battling in Atlanta, General Manager Mike Elias was making his own statements. With the trade deadline looming and the Orioles sitting at 35-46, many expected Elias to declare the team official 'sellers.' Instead, he told reporters the team is 'still fighting and playing for 2025.' It's a fascinating stance. Is it a negotiating tactic to drive up the price for potential trade pieces? Or does the front office genuinely believe this team can still make a run? The statement leaves the door open for anything—from selling off veterans to making a surprising addition.
Elias's words weren't the only front-office news. The Orioles made a move to bolster their catching depth, acquiring Alex Jackson from the rival New York Yankees for a player to be named later and cash. Jackson was immediately selected from Triple-A Norfolk and added to the active roster. While not a blockbuster deal, it's a practical move to add another option behind the plate and shows the team is still looking for ways to improve the margins, even as bigger deadline questions loom.
So, what does it all mean? For one day, it meant a fantastic win fueled by resilience. But looking ahead, the Orioles are at a crossroads. The fight they showed on the field was mirrored by the fighting words from their GM. As the trade deadline gets closer, every game and every front-office whisper will be scrutinized. Will they sell? Will they stand pat? For now, let's just enjoy a victory that felt like more than just a number in the win column.
