Cedric Mullins returned on June 14, but the Orioles' bats fell silent in a 5-2 loss to the Angels. Despite a solid start from Sugano, missed opportunities doomed the O's.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of mixed emotions at the Yard. The buzz of seeing Cedric Mullins back in center field was electric, a welcome sight for every Orioles fan. Unfortunately, that excitement couldn't translate into a win, as the bats went cold at the worst moments, leading to a frustrating 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels.
The story of the game was missed opportunities, as the Orioles left 8 runners stranded on the basepaths.
While the final score read 5-2, the game felt closer, yet the win always seemed just out of reach. The Orioles had their chances but couldn't deliver the big hit, a recurring theme in tough losses. Ryan O'Hearn and the returning Cedric Mullins provided the only RBIs for the Birds. Starter Tomoyuki Sugano battled for six innings, giving up three earned runs, but a two-run shot by Angels slugger Taylor Ward (his 18th of the year) proved to be a backbreaker. Sugano wasn't dominant, but he gave the team a chance—a chance the offense just couldn't seize.
The biggest positive of the day was undeniably the return of Cedric Mullins. Activated from the 10-day IL, he didn't miss a beat, immediately slotting back into the lineup and contributing with an RBI. The Orioles' social media was buzzing all afternoon with photos and videos of his return, and the Camden Yards crowd gave him a massive ovation. His presence solidifies the outfield defense and adds a dynamic spark to the top of the order that has been sorely missed. While his return didn't flip the result today, having him back for the long haul is a massive win for the club.
Even in a loss, the Orioles' pitching staff continues to impress in one specific category. With 9 more strikeouts on Saturday, the staff has now recorded at least 8 strikeouts in 13 consecutive games. It's the longest active streak in all of Major League Baseball and a testament to the quality of arms Brandon Hyde has at his disposal, from the starters to the bullpen. Sugano's 5 Ks contributed to the streak, proving that even when the offense is sleeping, the O's pitching remains a formidable threat.
One loss doesn't define a series. The return of Mullins is a huge boost, and the pitching continues to be a major strength. Now, the challenge is clear: the offense needs to wake up and support them. Let's see if the Birds can bounce back tomorrow, even the series, and make this a weekend to remember for the right reasons. The bats need to come alive.
