The Orioles erased a 6-0 deficit to beat the Rays 22-8 on June 28, 2025. Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser led a historic 22-run offensive explosion.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For a moment on Saturday, it looked like a wash. Down 6-0 to the rival Tampa Bay Rays after a disastrous second inning, the Camden Yards faithful could have been forgiven for heading for the exits. But those who stayed witnessed history. The Baltimore Orioles didn't just come back; they unleashed a tidal wave of offense, demolishing the Rays 22-8 in one of the most stunning and explosive turnarounds in franchise history.
The Orioles' 22 runs were their most in a single game since August 28, 2000.
The game started as a nightmare. The Rays blasted three homers in the top of the second, building a daunting 6-0 lead. But this Orioles team simply does not quit. The response was immediate and ferocious. A four-run bottom of the second, kicked off by a Gary Sánchez homer, signaled that the fight was on. From there, the floodgates opened. The O's hung crooked numbers in five different innings, with every part of the lineup contributing. Gunnar Henderson was a machine, going 4-for-6. Colton Cowser slapped three doubles. Ramón Laureano seemed to live on the basepaths, scoring four times. The onslaught was so total that the Rays were forced to wave the white flag and send infielder José Caballero to the mound, who promptly surrendered another six runs. While the offense stole the show, the Orioles bullpen deserves immense credit for holding the Rays to just two runs over the final seven frames, slamming the door and allowing the comeback to flourish.
Amidst the team-wide offensive eruption, the Orioles' young superstars hit significant personal milestones. Gunnar Henderson continued to build his MVP case with his fourth four-hit game of the season, capping it with his 20th home run. Not to be outdone, top prospect Jackson Holliday launched his 10th homer of the year, another sign of his growing comfort and power at the big-league level. These moments weren't just footnotes in a blowout; they were a thunderous declaration that the future of Baltimore baseball is not only bright, it's already here and winning games in spectacular fashion.
The on-field fireworks were preceded by a strategic roster shuffle. With Jordan Westburg forced to exit Friday's game with a finger injury, the front office acted swiftly. Infielder Emmanuel Rivera was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to provide crucial depth. The corresponding move was a tough one, as outfielder Dylan Carlson was optioned back to the Tides despite a solid stretch at the plate. The move underscores the team's immediate need for infield cover while Westburg's status is day-to-day. In a smaller transaction, pitcher Kyle Tyler was designated for assignment, ending his brief tenure with the organization before he ever took the mound in Baltimore.
As if the current big-league product wasn't exciting enough, the pipeline continues to churn out elite talent. On Saturday, catching prospect Samuel Basallo was highlighted by national analysts as the next Top 100 prospect most likely to get the call to the majors. After tearing up Double-A Bowie, Basallo's powerful bat could be another weapon in the Orioles' arsenal later this summer, a scary thought for the rest of the league and a testament to the organization's incredible player development machine.
What a day to be an Orioles fan. A game that began with dread ended in historic jubilation, perfectly encapsulating the 'Never count us out!' spirit this team lives by. The win was a statement, the individual milestones were a joy, and the roster moves show a front office staying nimble. As the Orioles look to take the series tomorrow, all eyes will be on the lineup card for an update on Jordan Westburg's status. But one thing is certain: this team has the firepower and the fight to overcome any obstacle thrown its way.
