Decisive Moment
The outcome of the matchup was settled in the eighth inning when Taylor Ward launched a 399-foot home run to left center field. The blast scored Ward and teammate Adley Rutschman, turning a one-run deficit into a two-run lead. This was the only home run of the game, providing the critical separation that allowed Baltimore to secure the 3-2 victory.
Scoring Sequence
The Orioles established an early advantage in the first inning. Alvarez doubled to left field, allowing Peña to score and give Baltimore a 1-0 lead. The Astros responded in the third inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Alonso walked, advancing Mayo to second and Rutschman to third. Houston challenged the call on the field, but the umpires upheld the walk, allowing Mayo to score. The tying run was followed by a sacrifice fly to right field by Paredes, which drove in Peña to make the score 1-2 in favor of Baltimore.
Pitching Performances
Dean Kremer started for Baltimore, pitching four innings and allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out five. Anthony Nunez contributed two scoreless innings with two walks. Grant Wolfram pitched a third of an inning, allowing one hit and two walks.
