The Baltimore Orioles snapped a five-game skid in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, rallying late to defeat the Miami Marlins 9-7 in a back-and-forth battle defined by clutch hitting and costly mistakes.
With the game tied 7-7 in the ninth, Adley Rutschman delivered the decisive moment. Entering as a pinch hitter, the switch hitting catcher lined a go-ahead single to left field off Miami reliever Andrew Nardi, scoring Taylor Ward from second base.
Moments later, Leody Taveras added insurance with an RBI single to right, bringing home Pete Alonso to give Baltimore a 9-7 edge.
Baltimore’s offense was fueled early by Samuel Basallo, who had a breakout night with a triple, double, and single while driving in four runs. His fifth-inning RBI triple helped extend the Orioles’ lead and ultimately chased Miami starter Sandy Alcantara from the game.
Pete Alonso also played a key role, doubling, walking twice, and scoring four runs. His early two-run double capped a three-run first inning that set the tone for Baltimore’s aggressive start.
Miami refused to go quietly. Liam Hicks led the charge with a home run, three singles, and three RBIs. The Marlins closed the gap in the seventh inning when Hicks and Otto López launched back-to-back homers off reliever Anthony Nuñez to make it 7-6.
In the eighth, the Marlins capitalized on chaos. Rookie Joe Mack singled, and pinch runner Esteury Ruiz created havoc stealing third during a double steal and scoring on a throwing error by Basallo to tie the game at 7.
It was a tough outing for both starting pitchers. Alcantara allowed seven runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings in his shortest start of the season. On the other side, Chris Bassitt gave up four runs on six hits across four innings.
Baltimore reliever Rico García (3-0) earned the win by recording the final four outs, while Miami’s bullpen briefly shined with a perfect MLB debut inning from William Kempner in the eighth.
The game ultimately turned on Rutschman’s ninth-inning at-bat. Inserted strategically to face a left-handed pitcher, he delivered under pressure, showcasing Baltimore’s depth and timely decision-making.
The series continues Wednesday with Baltimore set to send Brandon Young (2-1, 6.14 ERA) to the mound against Miami’s Eury Pérez (2-3, 4.46 ERA).
Baltimore’s resilient comeback not only ended their losing streak but highlighted an offense capable of producing in clutch situations—something they’ll look to carry forward as the series continues.
