A five-game losing streak can feel like an eternity in a competitive division, but the Baltimore Orioles finally found their way back into the win column on Tuesday night. In a back-and-forth slugfest at loanDepot park, it was a familiar face in an unfamiliar role who provided the decisive blow. Adley Rutschman delivered a clutch, pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth inning to propel the Orioles to a 9-7 victory over the Miami Marlins, effectively halting Baltimore’s recent slide.
The Ninth-Inning Surge: Rutschman Delivers for Baltimore Orioles
Entering the ninth inning tied 7-7, the Baltimore Orioles needed a spark after squandering a multi-run lead earlier in the game. The rally began with discipline at the plate, as Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso both drew walks to put two runners on. With a left-handed pitcher, Andrew Nardi, on the mound for Miami, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde made the tactical decision to call upon Rutschman.
Rutschman, a switch-hitter, pinch-hit for the young standout Samuel Basallo. The move paid immediate dividends as Rutschman lined a sharp single to left field, scoring Ward from second base to give Baltimore the lead. The momentum continued when Leody Taveras followed with another RBI single to right, driving in Alonso and providing a crucial insurance run. The two-run cushion proved to be enough for the Orioles' bullpen to seal the deal.
Samuel Basallo’s Rollercoaster Night
Before Rutschman’s heroics, the story of the game was the offensive explosion of Samuel Basallo. The 21-year-old catcher was a force at the plate, finishing the night 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Basallo’s performance was nearly historic, as he recorded a triple, a double, and a single through the first five innings of play. His RBI triple in the fifth inning off Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara helped push the Orioles to a 7-4 lead at the time.
However, the night wasn't without its defensive struggles for the youngster. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with Miami trailing by one, rookie Joe Mack singled and was replaced by pinch-runner Esteury Ruiz. After Ruiz advanced on a walk, he attempted to steal third as part of a double steal. Basallo’s subsequent throwing error allowed Ruiz to race home, tying the game at 7-7 and setting the stage for the dramatic ninth-inning finale.
Pitching Woes for Sandy Alcantara
The pitching matchup featured two established veterans, but neither starter found much comfort on the mound. Miami’s ace Sandy Alcantara struggled in his shortest outing of the 2026 season. Alcantara was tagged for seven runs on eight hits and three walks in just 4 1/3 innings. The Orioles jumped on him early, scoring three runs in the first inning highlighted by a two-run double from Pete Alonso.
On the other side, Chris Bassitt started for the Baltimore Orioles but also failed to complete five innings. The Marlins' offense remained resilient throughout the middle frames, led by Liam Hicks. Hicks had a career night, going 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Miami also saw back-to-back home runs from Hicks and Otto Lopez in the seventh inning to pull within one run, eventually leading to the eighth-inning tie.
Bullpen Stability and Series Outlook
Despite the high-scoring affair, the Orioles' bullpen managed to stabilize the game when it mattered most. Rico Garcia (3-0) earned the win, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings and navigating the high-leverage situations in the late stages. Andrew Nardi (2-2) took the loss for Miami after being charged with both runs in the ninth.
Key statistics from the win include:
- Pete Alonso: 1-for-3, 2-run double, 2 walks, 4 runs scored.
- Taylor Ward: 2 walks, 1 run scored (go-ahead run).
- Liam Hicks (MIA): 4-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs.
- Joe Mack (MIA): Recorded his first career MLB hit.
The Baltimore Orioles will look to build on this momentum as they continue their three-game series against the Marlins. After a week of frustration, the late-inning execution by Rutschman and the depth of the lineup provide a much-needed breath of fresh air for the O's as they aim to climb back up the standings.
Sources & Original Reporting
