Tyler O’Neill did a little bit of everything in Houston, and the Orioles needed every bit of it to keep the streak rolling.
Baltimore outlasted the Astros 4-2 in 11 innings Saturday at Daikin Park, extending its winning streak to six straight for the first time since May 30 to June 5, 2025. O’Neill delivered the go-ahead run in the 11th with an infield single, then helped slam the door with a defensive gem in the 10th that turned into a game-saving double play.
The decisive rally came with two outs in the 11th. O’Neill chopped a slow ball toward Jose Altuve at second, then beat the throw to first with a sprint down the line. At the same time, automatic runner Gunnar Henderson came all the way around from second to score, pushing Baltimore ahead 3-2.
The Orioles added insurance right after that. Leody Taveras lined an RBI single to center, bringing home Taylor Ward from third to make it 4-2. Enyel De Los Santos took the loss for Houston.
Baltimore’s bullpen finished the job from there. Cam Sanders worked the 11th and retired the side in order for his first save of the season, while Andrew Kittredge, who handled the 10th, picked up his first win of the season.
O’Neill’s biggest play may have come before he ever stepped to the plate in the extra frame. In the 10th, with no outs and the bases loaded, Altuve lifted a fly ball to shallow center with the game-winning run at third.
The Orioles had a five-man infield on, and O’Neill was stationed in right-center. He moved to his right, made the catch, and fired toward home while tumbling to the ground, throwing out Nick Allen for the key double play.
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Booths deal also arrived as Baltimore kept rolling on the field, beating the Astros to stretch its winning streak to five and adding outfielder Rudy Martin from the Royals for cash considerations. The Martin move gives the Orioles another name to sort through in the system, while Booths signing closes the loop on the drafts biggest piece and leaves the next question centered on how quickly he fits into the clubs long-term plans. [Read more 🡒]
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Andrew Kittredge is another name to watch, though the return would likely be modest even with relievers always in demand. At the same time, several Orioles are effectively off the board because of injuries or contract situations, which narrows the clubs options and adds another layer to a deadline picture that already feels more complicated than many around the team expected. [Read more 🡒]
Orioles Draft Just Put Two Outfielders On Notice
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For a system that has spent years trying to sort out which outfielders can actually hit enough to matter, the new crop only sharpens the pressure on the names already in the pipeline. Cedric Mullins is part of the backdrop, but so are the younger pieces the Orioles have been trying to develop into everyday answers, and the draft only adds more competition to a group still looking for consistency, health and a clearer path to the majors. [Read more 🡒]