Gunnar Henderson's 4 extra-inning RBI led the Orioles to a 10-6 win over the Rangers on July 1. See how Baltimore survived Adolis García's late heroics.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, the Baltimore Orioles delivered a heart-stopping, rollercoaster of a game in Texas. In a wild 11-inning affair, the O's outlasted the Rangers 10-6, fueled by the clutch bat of Gunnar Henderson, who seemed to single-handedly decide the game in extra frames. It was a chaotic, gritty win that showcased both the team's fight and the razor-thin margins they're operating on.
Ramón Laureano went 4-for-6 with three doubles and three runs scored, extending his hitting and run-scoring streak to six games.
The game was a marathon of momentum swings. The Orioles jumped out to an early lead thanks to a three-run double from Gary Sánchez in the third, who was forced into catching duties after starter Chadwick Tromp's early injury. But the real drama was saved for last. Gunnar Henderson blasted a two-run homer in the top of the 10th to give the O's a lead, only to see Keegan Akin surrender a game-tying three-run shot to Adolis García in the bottom half. Undeterred, Baltimore stormed back in the 11th. Luis Vázquez delivered the go-ahead RBI single—a call upheld after a tense challenge—before Henderson slammed the door with a two-run double, securing the chaotic victory.
While Henderson played the hero, Ramón Laureano was the engine that powered the offense all night long. The outfielder was simply on fire, going 4-for-6 with an incredible three doubles and scoring three runs. The performance extended his hitting and run-scoring streak to six consecutive games. In a season with its share of ups and downs, Laureano has become a consistent spark plug at the top of the lineup, proving to be a vital piece of the offensive puzzle.
The action wasn't limited to the field. The front office was busy, making several moves to adjust the roster. Right-hander Zach Eflin was placed on the 15-day injured list, a blow to the starting rotation depth. In his place, the Orioles recalled RHP Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk to provide a fresh arm for a bullpen that was certainly tested tonight. In another move, the team designated third baseman Emmanuel Rivera for assignment, signaling a continued effort by the front office to find the right mix for the infield and opening up a valuable 40-man roster spot.
This win against the Rangers, improving the O's record to 20-10 against them since 2021, was a testament to resilience. But at 37-47, every game is a battle. With Eflin on the shelf and a new arm in the bullpen, the team will need more heroic efforts like Henderson's and consistent production like Laureano's to build momentum. All eyes now turn to the rest of the series in Texas to see if the Birds can build on this wild, unforgettable victory.
