Gunnar’s Hot Bat Cuts Through The Chicago Cold
In a game that started 4 1/2 hours earlier than the originally scheduled due to expected cold temperatures in Chicago, the Baltimore Orioles braved the elements to win a second consecutive game over the Chicago White Sox (4-7). The final score on this Tuesday was 4-2.
A three-run eighth inning on this 36 degree day was the impetus the Orioles needed to win. Trailing 2-1 after seven innings, back to back doubles by Blaze Alexander (2 for 4, 2B, R, HBP, SB) and Taylor Ward (1 for 3, 2B, RBI, 2 BB) with one out pulled the Orioles even. Gunnar Henderson (2 for 4, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB) followed that up with a two-run homerun 387 ft. to right-center that just cleared the outfield wall.
The Birds opened their scoring in the fifth inning on a fielder’s choice groundout by Ryan Mountcastle that knocked in Samuel Basallo. Mountcastle was the second pinch hitter used by Manager Craig Albernaz in the inning; Tyler O’Neill was the other.
The late inning comeback would not have been possible without another quality start by Trevor Rogers. The dependable southpaw allowed 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6 across 6.0 innings and did not factor into the decision.
The bullpen was in shutdown mode today, covering three innings without allowing a hit or a run. Yennier Cano (1-1) struck out 1 in the seventh inning to secure the win. Grant Wolfram and Anthony Nunez combined to strike out the side in the eighth and despite a lead-off walk, Ryan Helsley struck out 2 to nail down his 4th save of the early season.
All was not rainbows and unicorns however, as the Orioles were 3 for 15 with runners in scoring position and stranded 14 runners on base. With a few exceptions this offense is simply not clicking and needs to improve its effectiveness. Pete Alonso (0 for 4, BB, Error) for one needs to be better than his .186 batting average suggests.
2026 Record: 5-6
Next Game: Wed. 4/8 @ 2:10 pm @ Chicago White Sox