In a thrilling display of pitching, Chino Muno of the Baltimore Orioles achieved his second victory and first at home on April 17, 2025, against the Cleveland Guardians, with a final score of 6-2. This game, held at Oriole Park in Baltimore, marked a significant milestone for Muno, who pitched an impressive seven innings, allowing only two runs on five hits, while striking out three batters and issuing no walks.
Muno, who is 36 years old, faced the Guardians after just four days of rest, a first for him in the major leagues. He threw a total of 87 pitches, showcasing great control and poise on the mound. His performance not only secured the win but also provided much-needed support to a struggling starting rotation in the absence of the team's opening pitcher, Efrain, who is currently on the injured list due to a strained right latissimus dorsi muscle.
The game started off strong for Muno, as he retired the first six batters he faced. In the third inning, however, the tide shifted when he allowed a solo home run to Schunemann, followed by a two-run homer to Hedges, which put the Guardians ahead momentarily. But the Orioles' offense quickly responded, with O'Han hitting a three-run home run in the bottom of the same inning, reclaiming the lead for the home team.
Despite the setback in the third inning, Muno remained composed. He managed to retire the side in the fourth inning and escaped a jam in the fifth, where he faced two runners on base with two outs. Muno struck out Kwan, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. He continued to dominate on the mound, achieving a quality start by completing six innings for the first time in his major league career.
In the seventh inning, Muno struck out Schunemann with a powerful fastball clocked at 148.5 kilometers per hour (approximately 92.3 miles per hour), leaving the crowd roaring with approval. His performance earned him a standing ovation from the home fans, a testament to his growing popularity and the trust placed in him by the Orioles' coaching staff.
After the game, Muno expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I am getting used to the environment and want to accumulate more wins." His humility and determination were evident as he acknowledged the challenges of pitching on short rest for the first time. He rated his performance a modest 65 out of 100, indicating room for improvement despite the successful outing.
The Orioles, currently sitting at the bottom of the American League East standings, are beginning to find their footing thanks to Muno's efforts. His ability to step up in the absence of key players has not gone unnoticed, with his coach praising his "fantastic" control and performance. Muno's record now stands at 2-1, with an ERA of 3.48 after four starts, reflecting his steady improvement since making his major league debut on March 30, 2025.
In the context of the game, the Orioles' victory was crucial as they look to build momentum and climb the standings. With Muno's confidence growing, fans are eager to see how he will continue to develop as a key player for the team. His next outing will be highly anticipated as he aims to further solidify his role as a reliable starter in the rotation.
The matchup against the Guardians was not just a personal triumph for Muno but also a significant moment for the Orioles as they strive to turn their season around. With a mix of determination and skill, Muno has proven that he can handle the pressure of the major leagues, and fans are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a successful chapter in his career.
