Henderson Shines as Orioles Stall Yankees’ AL East Title Celebration

Gunnar Henderson, with three hits from Baltimore’s 12 in the initial four innings, led the Orioles to another victory over the New York Yankees, thus delaying their AL East title clinch. Despite Aaron Judge’s home run, the Orioles held out for a 9-7 win on Wednesday night. Particular mention goes to Colton Cowser, who contributed three runs for the Orioles, set for the playoffs, and hit early against Marcus Stroman, who was substituting as a starter.

Orioles Conquer Yankees, Yet Again

With a better 8-4 record against New York and one more game left in the season series, the Orioles are looking strong. “We’re starting to get it going at the right time,” shared a confident Henderson. Aaron Judge, not to be outdone, hit his 57th homer, leading the major league, in a four-run ninth inning. This three-run hit off Matt Bowman brought Judge’s career-best total to 142 RBIs, also the major league’s highest, and reduced New York’s gap to 9-7.

Yankees’ Resilience Shines Through

“I never feel like we’re ever out of a game no matter the score,” said a resilient Judge. Keegan Akin, retiring the next two batters, secured his first save this year and third in his career. Juan Soto also offered a home run and three runs for New York, which could’ve settled the AL East race with a win over the Orioles in any of the last two nights.

Orioles Edge Closer to Yankees

With four games left, Baltimore is now just four games behind the Yankees in the division standings. Cedric Mullins performed particularly well, scoring three runs, two stolen bases, and walking once in four appearances. The Orioles, guaranteed at least an American League wild card, secured their consecutive postseason trip on Tuesday night with a 5-3 win at Yankee Stadium, coupled with Minnesota’s loss to Miami.

Yankees Struggle; Orioles Dominate

Stroman (10-9) was a late replacement for injured left-hander Nestor Cortes and gave up six singles in a row at the start of the game. The Orioles took advantage and quickly surged ahead with a 3-0 lead.

Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde praised his team’s performance, stating, “We had a lot of clutch hits, kept the line moving. Thought our at-bats all night were really good and you can never score enough here.”

Looking Forward

As the three-game series concludes on Thursday night, all eyes will be on Cy Young Award winners Corbin Burnes (15-8, 2.95 ERA) and Gerrit Cole (7-5, 3.67). Cole, coming off a win in Oakland, is set to face Burnes, who has a 1.08 ERA this month and is aiming to become the first Orioles pitcher to win 16 games in a season since Chris Tillman in 2016.