Orioles Take Two of Three from Yankees at Camden Yards

Povich and Carrasco’s Short Starts Setup Bullpen Battle in Rubber Match

Young Lefty Cade Povich Tested Early by Yankees Bats

Heading into game 3 of the Orioles-Yankees first season series, who knew which version of the Orioles would show up.  The staff had just talked up veteran Kyle Gibson who became batting practice for the Yankees in a blowout loss.

Cade Povich is coming off his best start of the year, and maybe his career.   But any momentum was quickly tested under the lights at Camden Yards.

Povich (LHP) was set to face off against Carlos Carrasco (RHP) - two guys looking to find their groove to start 2025.

In the first inning Povich started strong to get Paul Goldschmidt - who’s having a resurgent year - with a six-pitch pop out to third..  

Aaron Judge Takes Cade Povich Deep in First Inning

Trent Grisham led off the inning with a single to set up Aaron Judge.

Aaron Judge quickly made his presence felt.

Povich made a good first pitch.  Fastball up and in on the corner for a called strike.  His next pitch he’d want back: a hanging sweeper right over the heart of the plate.  Judge didn’t miss.

Judge took the young left hander deep to make it 2-0 Yankees.

Povich struck out Ben Rice on 6 pitches.  He mixed his sinker and sweeper to the left handed power hitter.  Rice is elite in just about every hitting category, but has a bad eye.  Povich did a good job throwing high strikes, and balls that trailed off the plate to get Rice to chase a 3-2 sinker at the top of the zone.

Anthony Volpe lined out on 6 pitches in an at bat where Povich went 3-0.  The first pitch went way inside to Volpe, and brushed him back.  High at the eyes for ball 2.  Just off the inside for ball 3.

Throwing a 3-0 sinker called strike put the pressure back on the Yankee shortstop, who hacked a lineout after fighting off a foul ball.

Cade Povich Settles In After Early Trouble vs Yankees

After a two run first inning.  Povich did his thing.  In the second inning three up three down.  He got the Orioles defense back in to hit quickly getting three balls in play for outs.

In the third inning he got into a bit of a jam.  After getting two quick outs on Oswald Peraza, and Paul Goldschmidt, Povich allowed a 6 pitch walk to Trent Grisham.

Povich pitched out a couple times to Aaron Judge, but eventually intentionally walked the Yankee power hitter.  He got two quick strikes on Ben Rice, one called, one swinging.  Missed just high with a sinker at the top of the zone, and got the lefty to flyout to Gunnar Henderson.

In the fourth inning - Antony Volpe, Austin Wells flyout.  Pablo Reyes draws a 6 pitch walk.  Jasson Domínguez grounds out on the second pitch.

Through 4 innings Povich limited the damage, and got out of a bit of trouble against a really talented lineup.  In the fifth the lineup turned over.

9 hitter Oswald Peraza flies out to Cedric Mullins to start the fifth.

Paul Goldschmidt Homers Off Cade Povich in the Fifth

Paul Goldschmidt worked a three one count, and ripped a sinker right down the middle straight over the center field fence for his second home run of the year.  The two time National League MVP only has two long balls on the year, but has a .356 batting average and .403 OBP.

Povich was left in to face Trent Grisham who’s tied for third in the MLB with 8 home runs on the 2025 season with Yankees teammate Ben Rice.

Grisham had managed to reach both times up to the plate against Povich in the game. With Judge in the on deck circle, and Seranthony Domínguez warming in the Orioles bullpen - it seemed like it could be Povich’s last batter.

Grisham made the young southpaw work. Povich threw 4 seam, sinker, sweeper to work a full count after going down 3-1.  Two aggressive sinkers, foul balls, and 4 seam off the outside corner to draw a swing on a ball.

Povich day was done - Brandon Hyde goes to the pen in the fifth inning two outs.  Povich also managed to go deeper than 38 year old Yankee starter Carlos Carrasco, and give the Orioles bullpen a lead of 4-3, and a chance to close a hard fought series.

Seranthony Domínguez Picks Off Aaron Judge After Relief Appearance

With a 4-3 lead and Aaron Judge due up, Brandon Hyde turned to deadline acquisition Seranthony Domínguez to get the Orioles through a crucial spot in the fifth. 

The at-bat didn’t last long — Domínguez fired a 97.5 mph sinker on the outer edge that Judge slapped into right field for a single.

Ben Rice came to the plate and worked a 2-2 count.  Aaron Judge would get caught leaning the wrong way, and Domínguez picked off the reigning AL MVP for an out at second base.

Seranthony ended up getting Judge out in a very unconventional way.

Carlos Carrasco Struggles Early Against Aggressive Orioles Bats

The Orioles hitters came out aggressive to start the rubber match against the Yankees.  Despite falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, and losing the previous game in embarrassing fashion - the team did not roll over.

Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman reached in the first inning on singles.  Carrasco had to work to get three outs.

Mountcastle and Urías Homer in 4-Run Second Inning

Jackson Holliday leads off the 2nd inning. Carrasco misses by a mile on a first pitch curveball.  Holliday sits on a 4 seam fastball on the corner to drive it up the middle on a line for a single.

Then came Ryan Mountcastle. An Orioles hitter in the middle of an 0-18 slump, and no end in sight, and struggling to start the year with a .194/.240/.301 slash line.

Mountcastle responded in a big way.  On a 0-1 slider on the insider corner, Mountcastle takes Carrasco deep for his second homer of the year.  Giving the Orioles fans, and dugout a jolt.

After a Heston Kjerstad strikeout.  Ramón Urías came to the plate in the middle of a slump himself.  The former gold glove winning third baseman managed to work a 2-0 count, and launched a four seam fastball left over the middle of the plate for a home run to put the Orioles on top.

Cedric Mullins flew out, but the Os weren’t done with 2 outs.

Gunnar Henderson singles, and steals second.  Adley Rutschman drives in Gunnar on a two out single.  A bit of long ball, and a bit of small ball.

Ryan O’Hearn would line out for the third out, but the damage was done - the Orioles had a lead going into the third inning.  

But the second inning would prove to turn the game, and the key series in the Orioles favor. For good.

Benches Clear, Os Fired Up After Kjerstad Slides Hard into Second

Heston Kjerstad led off the fourth inning with a single to right, and while the Orioles didn’t score, emotions quickly escalated.

Heston Kjerstad led off a fourth inning filled with fireworks.  No, the Orioles didn’t score, but the young outfielder showed an edge for a team that needed it.

On a 3-2 hit-and-run with Ramón Urías, Kjerstad took off. Carrasco got the strikeout, but the heat came at second base.

Kjerstad had 1 career MLB stolen base prior to the try.  

The throw went high, and Pablo Reyes went up with it.  Unfortunately he came down right on Kjerstads head as he tried to make the play, who was sliding feet first into second base.  Kjerstad was clearly safe at second with his helmet knocked off, and probably could’ve tried for third if the ball skipped away far enough.

Kjerstad, who has a history of head injuries (including a scary hit-by-pitch vs the Yankees last season), was clearly shaken.

Heston came up fired up, and clearly frustrated dealing with another situation he got his head knocked.  The Yankees infield jawed back, benches, and bullpens came in to ensure no further escalation.

Carrasco Exits After Scramble, Yankees Call on Bullpen Early

With the tension high and one out, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the call to the bullpen. Carlos Carrasco finished the day after just 3.1 innings pitched on 66 pitches.  He allowed 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 5 strikeouts, and 2 home runs.  

Music to the Orioles ears.

Surely Yankees skipper Aaron Boone wanted to pull his veteran pitcher after having to wait a long time while the long stoppage got sorted out.  Which played into the Orioles favor.

Hill got Mullins and Henderson to hit into outs to end the inning, but the seal was broken - the Orioles got to the Yankees bullpen first.

Tim Hill Allows Key Insurance Run as Orioles Extend Lead

Having to sit down as a reliever is a tough ask.

Hill returned for the fifth and quickly got into trouble. He walked Adley Rutschman on six pitches, then saw Ryan O’Hearn grind out a walk after fouling off a 3-1 sinker.

First and second Os for right handed hitter Ramón Laureano.  Hill threw two sinkers, and the second one the Orioles veteran outfielder hit a hard grounder that could’ve been a double play ball if Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe didn’t miss the throw.

Jackson Holliday stepped in to see 4 straight sinkers.  He took the first for a strike, and swung at the next three.

Swing and a miss, foul ball, and a soft grounder to the second baseman Pablo Reyes.

Just soft enough that the only play was at first to get Laureano at second, while the speedy Orioles second baseman beat the throw to first.  Just like that the Orioles lead 5-3, matching the run put up on Goldschmidt’s solo shot in the fifth.

Tim Hill allowed the only earned run by the Yankees bullpen on the day, and it ended up being an important one.

Fernando Cruz Dominates as Yankees Bullpen Stabilizes Game

After allowing early runs, the Yankees bullpen took over and kept the game within reach.

Tim Hill gets pulled for Fernando Cruz who has been elite to start the year.  The 35-year-old veteran has rediscovered his form, and against the Orioles, he looked dominant.

His 4 pitch mix is electric, and he immediately showed why he ranks in the 98th percentile in expected batting average and 99th in expected ERA..

Cruz struck out four of the five hitters he faced across the fifth and sixth innings. He blew through Ryan Mountcastle on three pitches, and got Heston Kjerstad to fly out on one to end the fifth, stranding a runner at third.

In the sixth, he struck out the side:

• Ramón Urías battled for seven pitches but went down looking on a beautifully placed strike.
  

• Cedric Mullins chased three splitters out of the zone.
  

• Gunnar Henderson took one splitter for a strike and swung through two more for another K.

Facing elite bullpen arms like Cruz may not feel good at the moment, but those reps could benefit the Orioles hitters later in the season.

Williams and Leiter Jr. Keep Orioles Off the Board Late

Devin Williams pitched the 7th inning.  He got Adley to ground out hard on a fastball over the middle.  Walked O’Hearn on 5 pitches.  On a 3-2 changeup, the Orioles had the hit and run on again.  Laureano struck out swinging on a change up just below the strike zone, and O’Hearn was thrown out at second on a play that would be reviewed and upheld.

The Orioles continued to put pressure on the Yankees pitchers and catcher all day, and showed how getting to the bullpen can add another element to their game.

The eighth inning the Yankees featured Mark Leiter Jr. who had a bit of trouble getting through the Orioles hitters, but managed to make it out unscathed after allowing a couple of runners.

In total, the Yankees bullpen delivered 4.2 innings of one-run baseball, allowing just 2 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 7. The damage was done early, and their relievers kept the game in striking distance.

Brandon Hyde Empties Bullpen To Secure Key Win

Six Arms Used Out of the Bullpen

Hyde used Seranthony Domínguez to close the fifth inning.  Afterward he was going blow for blow with the Yankees bullpen.  The skipper left no stone unturned, and used every arm he had available to him on the night.

Hyde played matchups to get key guys out, and prevent the Yankees from moving the chain with a good batting order.

Keegan Akin Battles in Long One Inning Outing

Akin came in to face Ben Rice who had been given a fresh start after the Judge pickoff to end the fifth.  Rice fouled off 5 straight pitches.  Akin would sneak a slide past a swinging Rice for strike three.

Anthony Volpe made Akin work.  Akin would miss on three straight pitches to go down 3-0.  After two called strikes, Volpe would dial in on Akin.  After two fouls on a fastball & changeup, Volpe would rip a fastball through the infield for a single.

Austin Wells would softly single to the outfield, Volpe would move to third.  Keegan Akin had already thrown 18 pitches, had only one out to show for it, and had first and third.

The Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes would strike out looking on a beautiful 2-2 slider at the bottom of the zone for the second out, and Akin’s second strikeout.

Jasson Domínguez was the only thing between Akin and a clean frame.  The young hitter has struggled at times, and the Orioles made that true.  Akin got the young switch hitter looking on 5 sliders and one fastball.  The slider froze Domínguez who struck out twice on the day and went 0-4. Akin was out of the 6th without any damage, but a ton of pitches.

Hyde threw Akin out for Oswald Peraza who would walk on 6 pitches.  Akin’s day was done as far as pitching, but the runner he left would be inherited.

Yennier Cano & Gregory Soto Work Tough 7th Inning

Yennier Cano came in with Peraza at first base, and Paul Goldschmidt at the plate.  He’d throw one sinker, and allow a soft hit grounder to third baseman Ramón Urías whose only play was at first base.  1 out, runner moves to second base.

Trent Grisham would get one sinker too - he’d flown out to Ramón Laureano - runner to third, two outs.

Aaron Judge comes to the plate.  Cano throws two balls that miss by a mile, and then a sinker over the middle.  Judge doesn’t miss, and hits a ground ball single to the outfield for his third RBI on the day to bring the Yankees within 1 run.

Brandon Hyde turned to Gregory Soto to face Ben Rice, and Judge on first.  Soto would throw three pitches at the top of the zone which were very competitive.  Rice would pop out to Heston Kjerstad to end the inning.  And more importantly stop the chain from moving toward a ninth inning Aaron Judge at bat.

Bryan Baker Shows Electric Stuff In Shutdown Inning

Bryan Baker came in having one job.  Get the game to Félix Bautista with the lead.  At this point Bautista was the only Orioles reliever left available, and extra innings would mean trouble.

Baker came in, throwing fire.  He threw 6 straight fastballs in a 3-2 walk to Anthony Volpe.

One pitch soft line out from Austin Wells.

5 pitch at bat to Cody Bellinger who swung at two heaters way above the zone on a swinging strikeout.  And a 6 pitch strikeout to Jasson Domínguez that featured a nasty changeup to get the young hitter swinging.

Félix Bautista Gets Save - Arm Strength Rising

Orioles Closer “The Mountain” Dominates Yankees in 9th Inning

Bautista is back to his old self in 2025.  His velocity is rising each game as he topped out in between 99 and 100.  As the season progresses look for the number to rise.

His splitter is already back to the same speed pre-injury, and he’s been working his offspeed more frequently instead of overpowering hitters.

In the ninth inning in the rubber match - Brandon Hyde got his guy on the hill in the spot he thrives… one run games.

Aaron Judge was due up fourth, and in a perfect world not due up at all.

The mountain delivered another signature performance.  The lights dimmed, and his signature lightshow entrance electrified a crowd that was in for a treat.

Bautista would deliver a show.  Getting Oswald Peraza to fly out on one pitch.

Paul Goldschmidt grounded out on six pitches.

Trent Grisham struck out on three strikes.  The Orioles won 5-4.  

Povich gave the bullpen the lead, they never looked back.  Felix Bautista gets his 5th save on the year.

Félix Bautista Talks About What It Means to Pitch at Camden Yards

After the game Félix Bautista got interviewed by the MASN broadcast crew.  During the interview through a translator he spoke about how special it is for him to play in front of the great fans of Baltimore.

The fans in Baltimore are obviously glad to have arguably the best closer in baseball back.  Brandon Hyde has spoken about how he plans to work the flamethrower along slowly as he works back to full strength from his injury.

Having a player like Félix Bautista means the world to the fans of the Orioles, but the fact that its special for him to pitch here makes it even better.

Look for the Orioles to continue to rely on The Mountain, and look to keep him as fresh as possible.

Orioles Host Kansas City Royals in Playoff Rematch at Camden Yards

Orioles Celebrate May the Fourth with Star Wars Bobblehead Giveaway

The Orioles are celebrating May the Fourth in style this weekend at Camden Yards, with Star Wars-themed bobblehead giveaways on both Friday and Sunday.

Fans can collect a Colton Cowser Jedi bobblehead on Friday night, and a Gunnar Henderson Jedi bobblehead during Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals.

It’s part of a growing number of giveaways by the Orioles this season, and this one is aimed at drawing a wide range of fans, from young kids that are Star Wars and O’s fans to the park early for a good time.

Dean Kremer Faces Michael Wacha in Friday Night Opener