Eflin shines as Orioles defeat Rockies 6-1 at home
- Zach Eflin struck out nine batters in seven innings, leading the Orioles to a 6-1 victory over the Rockies.
- Gunnar Henderson and James McCann contributed significantly with key hits, including a two-run homer from McCann.
- The win helped the Orioles close the gap on the AL East-leading Yankees, highlighting their need for consistency.
Zach Eflin delivered an impressive performance for the Baltimore Orioles, striking out nine batters over seven innings in a home game against the Colorado Rockies. Activated from the injured list due to shoulder inflammation, Eflin showcased his skills by retiring the first 15 batters he faced and needing only 49 pitches to complete five innings. His dominance on the mound allowed the Orioles to build a comfortable lead early in the game. The Orioles scored first with an RBI double from Gunnar Henderson in the opening inning, followed by a two-run homer from James McCann later in the game. Henderson contributed further with a run-scoring single in the seventh, helping the team secure a total of six runs. The Rockies managed to score only once, with Nolan Jones hitting a two-out RBI single in the seventh inning, marking their only run of the game. This victory was crucial for the Orioles, who had recently struggled, winning only one of their last four games. The win brought them closer to the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who lost their game against St. Louis. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed the team's desire for consistency as they approach the final stretch of the season. Looking ahead, the Orioles are set to face the Chicago White Sox in a three-game home series, with RHP Corbin Burnes taking the mound for the opener. The team aims to build on this win and improve their standing in the competitive AL East division.