Gunnar Henderson's extra-inning heroics propelled the Orioles to a wild 10-6 win over the Rangers on July 1, 2025. See how the O's won the slugfest.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you've seen it all, the Baltimore Orioles find a new way to win a baseball game. In a chaotic, back-and-forth slugfest that stretched into the Texas night, the O's outlasted the Rangers 10-6 in 11 innings, fueled by the otherworldly clutch hitting of Gunnar Henderson and a 'next man up' mentality that has defined their season.
Gunnar Henderson in extras: a two-run homer in the 10th and a two-run double in the 11th. Simply unstoppable.
Monday's game was a rollercoaster. After a solid start by Trevor Rogers was cut short due to an injury to catcher Chadwick Tromp, the bullpen and offense had to pick up the slack. And did they ever. The real magic began in extras. After the Rangers tied it, Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser launched back-to-back homers in the 10th, only for Texas to answer back. But the O's didn't flinch. In the 11th, Luis Vazquez delivered the go-ahead RBI single before Henderson blew the game open with a two-run double, capping his four-RBI performance in extras alone. Keegan Akin (3-0) earned the win despite a blown save, a fittingly weird end to a weird game. We can't forget Ramon Laureano, who continued his torrid pace, going 4-for-6 with three doubles to extend his hitting and run-scoring streak to six games.
The win came amidst a flurry of roster moves that underscore the team's current challenges. Starter Zach Eflin was placed on the 15-day IL with a back injury, forcing the O's into a four-man rotation until Cade Povich is potentially ready around July 12. Righty Brandon Young was recalled from Norfolk to provide long relief. The infield depth was also addressed, with Emmanuel Rivera recalled as Jordan Westburg nurses a finger injury. The corresponding move was a tough one, as Dylan Carlson was optioned to Triple-A despite hitting a respectable .271 since May. It's a classic Orioles 'good problem to have'—so much talent that even productive players get sent down to fill a more pressing need.
The Orioles won't have long to celebrate their dramatic victory. On Tuesday, they face one of the toughest tests in baseball: a matchup against Rangers ace Jacob deGrom (8-2, 2.08 ERA). Baltimore will send veteran Charlie Morton (4-7, 5.63 ERA) to the mound in what looks like a classic mismatch on paper. After emptying the tank in Monday's marathon, the O's will need to find another level to compete with one of the game's elite pitchers.
Last night's victory was a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Orioles: resilient, deep, and relentlessly competitive. They overcame injuries, a bizarre catcher situation, and the pressure of extra innings on the road. That grit will be tested immediately against deGrom. Securing Monday's win makes Tuesday's daunting task a little easier to swallow, but a victory against the Rangers' ace would truly send a message.
