Bradish Flirts With History as Orioles Blast Four Homers in 6-1 Win Over Royals

The Baltimore Orioles are heading into the All-Star break with momentum.

Kyle Bradish carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning, while the Orioles launched four home runs to roll past the Kansas City Royals, 6-1, Saturday night at Camden Yards. The victory gave Baltimore its third straight win and secured the series against Kansas City.

Bradish delivered one of his best starts of the season, allowing just one run on two hits over 6.2 innings. The right-hander walked two, struck out five, and improved to 6-9 while lowering his ERA. Kansas City’s first hit didn’t come until Jac Caglianone lined a leadoff single in the seventh inning, ending Bradish’s bid for the first no-hitter of his career. Caglianone eventually scored on a Salvador Perez sacrifice fly for the Royals’ lone run.

Baltimore’s offense didn’t pile up many hits, but it made every one count.

Pete Alonso got the scoring started with a towering two-run homer, continuing his outstanding first season in Baltimore. Coby Mayo followed with a solo blast, Taylor Ward added another solo shot, and Gunnar Henderson capped the night with a home run of his own. Four of the Orioles’ six hits left the yard, showcasing the club’s power throughout the lineup.

Samuel Basallo also continued his strong play, delivering Baltimore’s only hit with runners in scoring position with an RBI single in the second inning to help build an early lead.

Kansas City starter Noah Cameron actually struck out a career-high nine batters over seven innings, but the Orioles’ ability to capitalize on mistakes proved to be the difference. Cameron surrendered five runs despite allowing only five hits.

After Bradish exited to a standing ovation, the Orioles bullpen slammed the door. Grant Wolfram, Yennier Cano, and Tyler Wells combined to finish the final 2.1 innings, allowing just one additional hit and preserving the comfortable victory.

MSB Take

This looked like the version of the Orioles fans have been waiting to see.

Bradish looked every bit like the ace Baltimore hoped he would become before injuries interrupted his career, commanding the strike zone and keeping Royals hitters off balance all night. When he is healthy, he changes the outlook of the entire rotation.

Offensively, the Orioles continue to show that they don’t need 12 hits to win. Alonso has brought much-needed middle-of-the-order power, Mayo is growing more comfortable at the major league level, Henderson appears to be finding his swing again, and Basallo continues to make an impact every time he’s in the lineup.

If Baltimore can continue getting this level of starting pitching while the lineup heats up, this team has a legitimate chance to make a strong push in the American League playoff race during the second half.