The Baltimore Orioles snapped their five-game losing streak with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on May 9, 2025, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. This game marked a significant moment for Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who delivered an outstanding performance, pitching 7 and 1/3 innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five.
At 35 years old, Sugano is proving to be a vital asset for the Orioles, especially during this challenging season. With this win, he not only earned his fourth victory (2 losses) but also brought his career total to 140 wins when combining his performances in Japan and Major League Baseball.
The game started positively for the Orioles, who quickly took a 3-0 lead. The scoring began in the first inning when Gunnar Henderson launched a solo home run, his fourth of the season, into right field. The Orioles continued their offensive momentum in the second inning, adding two more runs to extend their lead.
Sugano's pitching was nothing short of remarkable. He faced a perfect start, retiring the first six batters he encountered without allowing a single runner on base. However, in the third inning, he allowed his first hit to Jo Adell, but quickly regained control by striking out the next batter, Paris, and grounding out the following hitter, keeping the score intact.
In the fifth inning, Sugano faced his first real challenge when he allowed a double to Renhifo, marking the first time a runner reached scoring position against him. Yet, he maintained his composure and retired Adell once again, preventing any runs from scoring.
As the game progressed, Sugano continued to showcase his skill. He pitched a quick sixth inning, maintaining the lead as the Orioles' offense struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the seventh, Sugano encountered a bit of trouble again when he allowed a triple to Moncada, leading to a run scored on a groundout by Ward. Despite this, he managed to limit the damage and exited the game with a 3-1 lead.
After throwing 93 pitches, Sugano was replaced by reliever Cano, who took over in the eighth inning. The crowd at Angel Stadium recognized Sugano's exceptional performance, giving him a standing ovation as he left the mound.
Henderson was instrumental in the Orioles' offensive efforts, not only with his home run but also with a timely triple in the ninth inning, which added an important fourth run to the scoreboard. The Orioles' bullpen then stepped up, effectively closing out the game and securing the victory.
This game was crucial for the Orioles, who had found themselves at the bottom of the American League East standings with a disappointing record of 13 wins and 23 losses prior to this match. Sugano's performance not only halted their five-game losing streak but also improved his ERA to 2.72, a significant achievement in his ongoing campaign.
Interestingly, Sugano has now served as a "losing streak stopper" multiple times this season, having previously ended two three-game losing streaks with his victories. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a key figure in the Orioles' rotation, especially during a time when injuries have plagued the team.
Following the game, the Baltimore Sun praised Sugano's performance, calling it his best outing in Major League Baseball thus far. With a strike rate of 69.9% and a fastball reaching speeds of up to 93.6 mph (approximately 150.6 km/h), Sugano continues to impress both fans and critics alike.
As the season progresses, the Orioles will look to build on this momentum, hoping that Sugano can continue to deliver strong performances as they aim to climb out of the bottom of their division. With his skills and determination, Sugano has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Orioles in what has been a challenging start to the season.
In conclusion, the Orioles' victory against the Angels not only showcased Sugano's talent but also provided a much-needed boost for a team eager to turn their fortunes around. As they prepare for their next matchup, the Orioles will undoubtedly look to Sugano to lead them once again.
