O’Neill’s Homer, Seven-Run Second Power Orioles Past Blue Jays in 11-8 Spring Win

The Baltimore Orioles' bats erupted early, and despite a late push from the Toronto Blue Jays, they secured an 11-8 victory in Thursday’s spring training matchup. Tyler O’Neill launched his first home run in an Orioles uniform as part of a seven-run second inning, while Samuel Basallo added a towering blast of his own in the seventh.

Henderson Exits Early with Side Discomfort

The victory was slightly overshadowed by Gunnar Henderson's early exit in the first inning due to lower right side discomfort. The Orioles' star infielder landed awkwardly while catching a Bo Bichette line drive, prompting the team to remove him for precautionary reasons.

“We took him out for precautionary reasons,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “He felt a little sore.” No MRI was taken, and the team is optimistic about a quick recovery.

Seven-Run Second Inning Sets the Tone

Baltimore wasted no time jumping on the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. Ramón Laureano started the scoring with an RBI double, and Ramón Urías followed with a two-run homer. The inning was capped by O’Neill’s three-run blast, giving the Orioles a commanding 7-0 lead.

“I’m trying to be simple with my approach,” O’Neill said postgame. “Runners in scoring position, so I’m just trying to hit a line drive out there.”

Listen to the sound off the bat -

Rodriguez Sharp in Spring Debut

Grayson Rodriguez made his first start of the spring, tossing 1 2/3 hitless innings, striking out two and hitting a batter.

“The plan today was just to go out and throw the first inning. After the first, see how we feel with the possibility of a second inning,” Rodriguez said. “Was able to drive the fastball. Changeup was working well, was able to throw a new sweeper once, got a bad swing on it, so I was pretty excited about that.”

Basallo’s Blast Adds Insurance

Top prospect Samuel Basallo continued his strong camp with a solo home run in the seventh inning, a no-doubt shot that landed on the back fields of Ed Smith Stadium. This ball traveled so far in the air the scoreboard changed the hitter before it landed.

This kid has serious pop, and the 20-year-old might be up sooner than you think...

What’s Next?

Missed Tomoyuki Sugano’s Orioles debut? Check out how the veteran right-hander fared in his first MLB outing and how the game unfolded against the Pirates!

The Orioles (3-2) head to Fort Myers on Friday to take on the Minnesota Twins, with Eflin getting his first spring start. Saturday’s game will feature a marquee pitching matchup as Baltimore’s Cade Povich faces Pirates phenom Paul Skenes in Sarasota. Skenes, who shares the cover of MLB The Show 25 with Orioles star Gunnar Henderson, continues to generate excitement as one of baseball’s top young arms.

Spring training rolls on, but for now, the Orioles’ offense looks ready to shine in 2025.