Orioles Triumph Over Padres 7-3, Marking Third Straight Victory

BALTIMORE — The Orioles continued their winning momentum on Friday night, overcoming a recent four-game slump by defeating the San Diego Padres 7-3 in the first game of their series. This victory not only marked the team’s third consecutive win but also their fifth three-game winning streak this season, a notable achievement as they aim to improve their record.

Having recently secured back-to-back wins against Seattle, Baltimore (34-37) showcased their offensive strength early in the game. After Gavin Sheets drove in a run with an RBI double for the Padres, Adley Rutschman quickly equalized for the Orioles, bringing home Taylor Ward with a sacrifice fly. Samuel Basallo then thrilled the home crowd with a 389-foot homer to right-center, his tenth of the season, putting the Orioles ahead.

Despite Fernando Tatis Jr.'s efforts to close the gap with an RBI single in the second inning, Baltimore responded decisively. Jackson Holliday contributed with a sacrifice fly before Pete Alonso's two-run grounder, which slipped past Padres third baseman Manny Machado, extended the Orioles' lead to 6-2.

The fireworks continued in the fourth inning as Gunnar Henderson hit a solo home run, marking his 14th of the season and the 100th of his career. Starting pitcher Shane Baz completed his outing after allowing one more run in the fifth, finishing with an impressive 103 pitches. His performance has been increasingly confident, as he has not permitted more than two earned runs in his last five starts.

In relief, Anthony Nunez and Keegan Atkin held the Padres scoreless in their innings, while Andrew Kittredge capped off the game with a hitless ninth. The Padres' Griffin Canning, meanwhile, struggled, allowing seven earned runs before his exit.

In other news, right-hander Ryan Helsley made a successful rehab appearance with Triple-A Norfolk, while the Orioles announced that Trey Gibson will take over for Chris Bassitt, who is on the injured list with back issues. Additionally, veteran outfielder Tommy Pham has been released, and Dylan Beavers is set to face live pitching as he recovers from an oblique strain.