Tomoyuki Sugano shines as the Orioles edge the Athletics 2-1 on Aug. 8, 2025. See how Sugano, Mullins, and Bautista led Baltimore to a crucial victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season of ups and downs, Friday night at Camden Yards was a perfect reminder of the Orioles' winning formula: dominant pitching and just enough timely hitting. Baltimore snapped a frustrating skid with a gritty 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics, riding a masterful performance from Tomoyuki Sugano and a lockdown bullpen to get back in the win column.
Sugano’s command and poise have been huge for us. He’s really settled in and given us a chance to win every time out.
The story of the night was Tomoyuki Sugano. The veteran right-hander was in complete control, carving through the A's lineup for 6.2 brilliant innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven. As manager Brandon Hyde noted postgame, Sugano's adjustment to MLB has been a massive boost for the rotation. The offense provided all the support he'd need in a single burst. In the third inning, Cedric Mullins laced an RBI double and later scored on an Adley Rutschman sacrifice fly. That was it, but it was enough. Mullins, who finished 2-for-4, celebrated the 'Big W' on social media, while Félix Bautista slammed the door for his 27th save, capping a textbook Orioles victory.
The dominant finish from the bullpen wasn't an anomaly. The entire relief corps has posted a stellar 2.85 ERA through the first week of August, a huge improvement from their July struggles. Management is clearly focused on maintaining this strength, activating recent waiver claim Rico Garcia to provide a fresh arm and optioning Elvin Rodríguez. Even better news is brewing in Norfolk, where starters Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are progressing well in their rehab assignments. Their potential return later this month could be the single biggest boost for the team down the stretch.
While the big league club was grinding out a win, top prospect Coby Mayo was putting on another show for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. Mayo extended his hitting streak to eight games with a 2-for-4 night that included a home run and 3 RBIs. He's now slashing an absurd .312/.389/.540 in Triple-A and is forcing his way into the conversation for a late-season call-up. With the O's constantly seeking infield depth and offensive sparks, Mayo's torrid pace could make him an intriguing option for the roster come September.
While one win against the A's doesn't redefine the season, it's the way the Orioles won that matters. With Sugano looking like a legitimate rotation anchor, the bullpen rounding into form, and key arms like Bradish and Wells on the comeback trail, the pitching foundation looks stronger than it has in months. As the team looks to build momentum, keep an eye on Norfolk—Coby Mayo might just be the next wave of homegrown talent to energize Birdland.
