Gunnar Henderson's clutch RBI saves the Orioles from a sweep in a 4-3 win over the Guardians on July 24. See how Ramón Urías's defense sealed the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Orioles were headed for a disastrous four-game sweep in Cleveland, Gunnar Henderson delivered the kind of clutch hit that defines a season. His go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning was the difference-maker in a nail-biting 4-3 victory over the Guardians, snapping a three-game skid and allowing Baltimore to exhale after a tense series.
With the game on the line, Ramón Urías made a crucial play at third base, throwing out Steven Kwan to end the game and secure Gregory Soto's first save as an Oriole.
The Orioles desperately needed a spark, and they got one early from Ramón Laureano, who launched a two-run homer in the first. After Ramón Urías added an RBI double, it seemed like the O's might cruise. But the Guardians fought back, tying the game on two homers from Steven Kwan. Starter Charlie Morton battled through 6.2 innings, keeping the team in it before Henderson stepped up in the seventh, lacing a single to score Alex Jackson and give Baltimore a lead they would not relinquish.
The ninth inning brought all the drama. With closer Félix Bautista unavailable, the ball went to Gregory Soto for his first save opportunity as an Oriole. He induced a grounder from the pesky Steven Kwan, and Ramón Urías made a spectacular defensive play at third to throw him out and seal the win. It was a pressure-packed moment that showcased the team's defensive grit and provided a much-needed positive jolt to the bullpen.
The joy of the win was tempered by significant news off the field. The Orioles placed All-Star closer Félix Bautista on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort. Losing 'The Mountain' is a major blow to the back end of the bullpen. While the injury is retroactive to July 21, his absence creates a significant void. To fill the spot, the team recalled RHP Kade Strowd from Triple-A Norfolk, who will be thrust immediately into a high-leverage environment.
It wasn't all bad news for the pitching staff. The O's got a boost with the official activation of starter Zach Eflin from the IL, who is set to rejoin the rotation immediately. Furthermore, the farm system is churning out reinforcements. Top prospect Cade Povich is close to returning from his hip injury, and key arms like Tyler Wells and Albert Suárez are progressing well in their rehabs. Their returns in the coming weeks could be crucial to stabilizing the staff in Bautista's absence.
Thursday was a perfect microcosm of a pennant race: a gritty, must-have win on the road, overshadowed by a key injury that will test the team's depth. While losing Bautista hurts, the Orioles showed their resilience in Cleveland. With Eflin back and others on the mend, the next-man-up mentality will be put to the ultimate test as the dog days of summer continue. The O's dodged a sweep, and now they'll need to navigate the next few weeks with the same fight they showed in that tense ninth inning.
