The Baltimore Orioles have been waiting for a night like this, and it finally arrived on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-2, marking their first series victory of the season. It was a game that showcased the potential of the team, with stellar performances on both the mound and at the plate.
Leading the charge was pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who delivered an impressive seven-inning performance, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out three batters and walking none. This was Sugano's best outing since joining the Orioles, and it was a much-needed boost for a rotation that has faced its share of challenges early in the season.
"I feel like it’s been a long time since a series win," said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. "It’s a lot more fun. Really happy with how our team played." Sugano echoed the sentiment, stating, "It’s only one game that I’ve been able to pitch like this, so I have to keep accumulating these outings. I’m starting to get used to the environment here, pitch by pitch." His final pitching line was 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K, throwing 87 pitches with 55 for strikes.
The offense also came alive, with three home runs contributing to the win. Gunnar Henderson launched his first home run of the season, hitting an opposite-field shot that gave the Orioles an early lead. "Anytime Gunny is hitting the ball with authority like that to left field, I think that’s a great sign for us," said Ryan O’Hearn, who also had a significant impact on the game.
O’Hearn hit a three-run homer in the third inning that turned the tide after the Guardians had taken a brief lead. "We look at this thing in chunks, in series. First series win is a big deal, and I think we’re going to build off that," O’Hearn noted after the game.
The Guardians initially struck first in the third inning, with Daniel Schneemann hitting a solo home run followed by Austin Hedges, who also went deep, putting the Guardians up 2-1. However, the Orioles responded quickly. After a walk to Adley Rutschman, O’Hearn’s homer brought the score to 4-2, showcasing the resilience of the Baltimore lineup.
Heston Kjerstad added to the excitement in the sixth inning with a two-run blast that sailed 400 feet into the Eutaw Street seats, further solidifying the Orioles' lead. Kjerstad’s performance has been a bright spot for the team, and his continued development is something fans are eager to watch.
Despite some early-season struggles, the Orioles showed signs of the team that many expected to see this year. The victory marks their second consecutive win, a feat they hadn’t achieved until now. "It took 18 games, but it happened at last," O’Hearn remarked, reflecting on the long wait for back-to-back wins.
The game also featured several standout defensive plays, including a remarkable effort from Henderson at shortstop and Cedric Mullins making several catches in the outfield. The defense was solid throughout, with no significant errors that could have shifted momentum.
In the bullpen, Keegan Akin took over for Sugano in the eighth inning, and Félix Bautista closed out the game in the ninth. Bautista faced some challenges, allowing two baserunners but ultimately securing the win without allowing any runs. His fastball topped 98 mph, showing flashes of the dominant pitcher he can be.
As the Orioles prepare for their next matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, scheduled for tomorrow at 7 p.m., there is a renewed sense of optimism within the clubhouse. The win over the Guardians not only provided a much-needed boost in the standings but also a morale lift for a team that has been searching for consistency.
The Orioles are still two games below .500, but with the momentum from this series win, they hope to continue building on their success. "I think guys are showing up every day thinking we’re going to win tonight, and not thinking, ‘Oh gosh, I hope we don’t lose,’" O’Hearn said. "Those are two very different demeanors. I mean, obviously, the team is talented. We’ve got a lot of good players. Once you get guys to kind of believe in how good we can be and then the results come after that, it’s fun. And this was a good series."
