Dean Kremer's 7 scoreless innings lead the Orioles to a 5-1 win over the Rays on June 29, 2025. See how Kremer's gem clinched the series for Baltimore.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a series that saw a staggering 44 runs scored across the first two games, the Baltimore Orioles turned to Dean Kremer for a dose of stability, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. The right-hander spun a seven-inning masterpiece of scoreless baseball, silencing the Tampa Bay Rays' bats and paving the way for a decisive 5-1 victory. The win not only secured a crucial series victory over a division foe but also showcased the shutdown potential of the Orioles' pitching staff when it matters most.
Dean Kremer has surrendered only two runs in his last three starts, a dominant stretch spanning 17 2/3 innings.
Dean Kremer was simply untouchable on Sunday. Improving his record to 7-7, he navigated the Rays' lineup with precision, allowing just three singles over seven brilliant innings. He struck out six and walked only one, completing seven frames for the fourth time this season. After a rollercoaster start to the year, Kremer has found a remarkable groove, proving to be the stopper the O's desperately needed after Saturday's slugfest. His recent form is a huge boost for a rotation looking to solidify itself for the second-half push.
While Kremer was dealing, the Orioles' offense provided just enough support. The scoring started early when Ramón Laureano doubled on the first pitch he saw in the second inning and was promptly driven in by a Colton Cowser single. The O's broke it open with two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth, with Gary Sánchez and Cedric Mullins contributing to the rally against Rays starter Taj Bradley. But Cowser's biggest contribution came with his glove. In the eighth, with Keegan Akin on the mound, Cowser made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall to rob Danny Jansen of a two-run homer, preserving the shutout and swinging the game's momentum firmly in Baltimore's favor.
Manager Brandon Hyde called upon 'The Mountain,' Félix Bautista, to close it out in the ninth. While Brandon Lowe managed to extend his hitting streak to 16 games with a solo shot, Bautista quickly slammed the door. He struck out Jonathan Aranda, snapping his 13-game hitting streak, before fanning Jake Mangum and Curtis Mead. The final out came on a blistering 98.3 mph sinker, a fittingly powerful end to a dominant team performance.
On the transaction front, the Orioles made a minor bullpen move, designating righty Luis F. Castillo for assignment and selecting the contract of veteran Matt Bowman from Triple-A Norfolk. On the injury front, the team emerged from the game unscathed. While Jordan Westburg remained out of the lineup with his hand issue, no new injuries were reported, which is always welcome news after a tough divisional series.
With the Rays series in the rearview mirror, the Orioles have once again proven their resilience. This win, anchored by stellar pitching and timely defense, feels like a statement. As they move forward, the key will be to bottle this performance—especially Kremer's newfound dominance—and carry it into the next series. If the pitching continues to click like this, the O's are poised for a powerful run as the summer heats up.
