On Saturday, the Orioles didn't kick off with a bang but gradually closed in on the Arizona Diamondbacks' lead until Jordan Westburg came in clutch with a walk-off single in the 11th inning. This move sealed the deal for a 5-4 victory, thanks to a stellar bullpen performance holding the Diamondbacks scoreless for over six innings. Westburg's game-winning hit was his second walk-off this season, proving he's got ice in his veins, reminiscent of his heroics against the Kansas City Royals back in April.
Baltimore's hitters showed off their usual power with homers from Gunnar Henderson and Anthony Santander and some extra-base hits by Ryan Mountcastle. While the long balls were electrifying, they were all solo shots, and Mountcastle's hits lacked runners on base. Nonetheless, the Orioles, with their trademark resilience, chipped away with single-run innings in the second, third, fifth, and eighth before Westburg's heroics in extras.
The game didn't start smoothly for Orioles starter John Means, who got into trouble with a couple of two-run innings from the Diamondbacks. Means, in his second start of the season with extended rest, faced difficulties in the third inning when Kevin Newman's triple and Ketel Marte's subsequent two-run homer dented the scoreboard. Means struggled again in the fifth, allowing two more runs before manager Brandon Hyde pulled him out.
Despite the rocky start, the Orioles' bullpen came through, keeping them in contention. Mike Baumann and Keegan Akin provided solid relief, shutting down the Diamondbacks' offense for several innings. Yennier Cano and the rest of the bullpen followed suit, ensuring the game stayed within reach for the Orioles.
Even though they trailed for most of the match, the Orioles' bats refused to stay silent. Westburg's earlier double and Ryan O'Hearn's clutch single kept the scoreboard ticking. And when Arizona pulled ahead again, Henderson and Santander's homers brought the Orioles back to a tie, setting the stage for Westburg's game-winning hit.
With this victory, the Orioles clinched a series win over the Diamondbacks, a testament to their grit and determination. Looking ahead, Dean Kremer will take the mound for the Orioles in the next game, aiming to continue their winning streak against Arizona's Zac Gallen, a formidable opponent and NL Cy Young finalist. It's bound to be another thrilling matchup as the Orioles look to extend their dominance on the diamond.
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