Gunnar Henderson had an impressive performance for the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night as they secured a 9-7 victory against the New York Yankees. The Orioles’ offense was on fire, with Colton Cowser driving in three runs and the team collecting a total of 12 hits in the first four innings. Despite another home run from Aaron Judge, the Yankees were unable to clinch the AL East title, extending the race for the division title.
The Orioles have had success against the Yankees this season, improving their record to 8-4 with one game left in their season series. Cedric Mullins played a key role in the victory, going 3 for 4 with three runs scored and two stolen bases. The Orioles have now moved within four games of the Yankees in the division standings with four games remaining in the season.
Juan Soto also made an impact for the Yankees, hitting a home run and knocking in three runs. Despite Judge’s impressive performance, connecting on his major league-leading 57th homer in the ninth inning, the Yankees fell short in their comeback attempt. Keegan Akin closed out the game for the Orioles, recording his third career save.
On the injury front, Grayson Rodriguez of the Orioles will miss the postseason due to right lat discomfort, while Yankees’ pitcher Nestor Cortes was scratched from his start and placed on the injured list with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow.
The Orioles are now assured of at least an American League wild card spot and have secured their second consecutive trip to the postseason. The team celebrated with a clubhouse party after Tuesday’s win, while the Yankees continue to chase the AL East title.
In the next game, a matchup of Cy Young Award winners is set as Baltimore’s Corbin Burnes (15-8, 2.95 ERA) will face off against Gerrit Cole (7-5, 3.67) of the Yankees. Burnes will look to continue his impressive form this season, aiming to become the first Orioles pitcher to win 16 games in a season since Chris Tillman in 2016.
The Orioles will look to carry their momentum into the final games of the season as they eye a strong finish to secure a favorable position in the postseason. The race for the AL East title remains tight, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.