Colton Cowser's go-ahead homer and a brilliant bullpen led the Orioles to a 5-1 win over the Rays on July 17. See how clutch hitting defines their 2025 season.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
If you were looking for the Baltimore Orioles' signature recipe for success in 2025, look no further than Thursday night's dominant 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. It had all the key ingredients: a timely power surge, relentless at-bats with runners on, and a bullpen that simply refuses to break. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement about how this team is built to thrive.
You beat teams with two-out RBIs. If you have two-out RBIs, and the bullpen throws the ball good, you’re going to win a lot of games in this league.
For four innings, the O's and Rays were locked in a tense 1-1 stalemate. Then Colton Cowser stepped to the plate in the fifth and changed the game with one swing. Cowser launched a go-ahead solo home run that not only gave Baltimore a lead it would never relinquish but also seemed to ignite the entire offense. It was the kind of clutch power display that has become a trademark for this young and hungry lineup.
Interim Manager Tony Mansolino summed it up perfectly postgame. The Orioles won by executing a simple but devastatingly effective plan: clutch hitting and bullpen dominance. After Cowser's homer, the O's piled on. Ramón Laureano delivered a massive two-out RBI single in the sixth, followed by RBI knocks from Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday. This relentless pressure, combined with four scoreless innings from the relief corps, squeezed the life out of the Rays. The bullpen's ERA since May 24 has now dipped to a jaw-dropping 1.76, with Gregory Soto looking particularly electric while striking out Josh Lowe in a key seventh-inning spot.
While Cowser provided the fireworks, the victory was a true team effort. Jordan Westburg and Dylan Carlson were offensive machines, each collecting three hits and consistently setting the table. And don't forget Ramón Laureano's cannon. Beyond his two RBIs, he threw out Jonathan Aranda at second base for his 54th outfield assist since 2018, a defensive gem that stifled a potential rally and reminded everyone of the multifaceted ways this team can beat you.
In a refreshing bit of mid-July calm, the transaction wire was silent for the Orioles on Thursday. No new trades, no injuries, no roster shuffles. This stability is proving to be a major asset. With a settled roster, the team is building palpable chemistry and momentum, allowing players to focus on one thing: winning ballgames. The current group is firing on all cylinders, and as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
With 12 wins in their last 17 games, the Orioles are not just hot; they're playing with a clear identity and confidence. The combination of a deep lineup and a truly elite bullpen is a formula that plays well in any ballpark, especially as the stakes get higher. As they continue their series against the Rays, the message is clear: the O's are a force to be reckoned with, and they have the blueprint for a deep October run.
