Veteran’s four-RBI game helps Baltimore creep closer to Tampa Bay in the AL East
In a thrilling matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Baltimore Orioles came out on top with an 8-6 victory on Tuesday night. The win brings the Orioles within four games of the Rays in the American League East standings.
One of the standout performers of the game was Aaron Hicks, who stepped up as the temporary replacement for Cedric Mullins in center field. Hicks set the tone for the Orioles with a first-inning home run and went on to drive in four runs throughout the game. Since joining the Orioles on May 30, Hicks has been on fire, slashing .340/.444/.604 in 17 games. His impressive performance has been a welcome surprise for the team, especially considering his struggles with the New York Yankees earlier in the season.
Hicks’ three-run homer in the first inning was part of a four-run opening frame for the Orioles, their most productive start to a game this season. Anthony Santander also contributed with a two-run homer in the second inning off Rays starter Tyler Glasnow, who had a rough outing, allowing six runs in just 4 1/3 innings.
On the pitching side, right-hander Kyle Bradish delivered an impressive performance for the Orioles. Facing a potent Rays lineup, Bradish relied heavily on his slider, which proved to be a dominant pitch. He recorded seven strikeouts in the first three innings, with seven of his eight strikeouts coming from his slider. Bradish’s slider had a 52 percent whiff rate, with 12 misses on 23 swings. The Rays hitters were left baffled by Bradish’s slider, as demonstrated by Randy Arozarena’s helpless strikeout in the fourth inning.
Despite a late surge from the Rays, the Orioles managed to hold on to their lead. Hicks came through with a crucial line-drive single in the eighth inning to score Austin Hays and provide the Orioles with an insurance run. Yennier Cano and Félix Bautista closed out the game, securing the win for the Orioles. Bautista, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday, recorded his 20th save of the season.
While the Orioles eagerly await the return of All-Star center fielder Cedric Mullins, Hicks’ impressive performance has allowed them to give Mullins the time he needs to fully recover from his injury. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed his gratitude for Hicks’ contributions, stating that the team was fortunate to have him available and that he has played great for them.
With the win, the Orioles have closed the gap between them and the Rays in the AL East standings. They will look to continue their momentum and make further progress in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
