Santander"s walk-off homer leads Orioles past Giants in crucial win
- Anthony Santander hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, bringing his season total to 42 home runs.
- The Orioles had previously lost three games in a row and eight of their last ten, making this victory crucial for their postseason hopes.
- This win positions the Orioles closer to the playoffs, as they maintain a lead over Kansas City for the top wild card spot.
On Thursday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles secured a crucial 5-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants, inching closer to postseason contention. Anthony Santander delivered a dramatic walk-off home run, marking his 42nd of the season, which came in the bottom of the ninth inning off pitcher Ryan Walker. This win was particularly significant as it followed a tough stretch for the Orioles, who had lost three consecutive games and eight of their last ten, placing them five games behind New York in the AL East and 2.5 games ahead of Kansas City for the top wild card spot. The game saw a back-and-forth dynamic, with the Giants initially taking a 2-0 lead thanks to Michael Conforto's 18th home run. However, the Orioles responded with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by Adley Rutschman's RBI double and Jackson Holliday's two-run single. The Giants managed to tie the game in the ninth with Casey Schmitt's single, setting the stage for Santander's heroics. In the ninth, Santander faced an 0-2 count but managed to work the count back before hitting a slider for the game-winning shot. The victory not only boosted the Orioles' morale but also solidified their position in the playoff race, showcasing their resilience in a challenging season. Looking ahead, the Orioles are set to start a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, with ace Corbin Burnes making what could be his final regular season start in Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Giants are preparing to face the Kansas City Royals, hoping to turn their fortunes around after this loss.