Chicago White Sox at Baltimore Orioles — Game Story, Scores & Highlights
June 1, 2025 | Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
The Baltimore Orioles closed out their three-game home series against the Chicago White Sox with a hard-fought 3–2 victory on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards. The win completed Baltimore’s first series sweep of the 2025 season, a much-needed boost after an inconsistent stretch of play, and showcased the resilience of veteran right-hander Charlie Morton, whose performance on the mound set the tone for the contest.
This game not only improved the Orioles’ record to 22–36 but also extended Chicago’s woes as the White Sox dropped to 18–41, their losing streak now standing at three games. What unfolded on the field was a tight pitchers’ duel, timely offense, and a bullpen that managed to hold the line under pressure — ingredients that define competitive baseball at its best.
Morton’s Masterful Start Sets the Tone
Charlie Morton delivered one of his finest starts since joining the Orioles, pitching 6⅔ innings while surrendering just one unearned run on six hits and a walk, with seven strikeouts. This marked Morton’s second consecutive quality start, and his sharp curveball was a key weapon, frustrating White Sox hitters throughout the afternoon.
Morton’s control and command were much improved compared to his early-season outings, a development Orioles fans have been eagerly awaiting. By mixing his pitches carefully — including a fastball that sat consistently in the low-to-mid 90s, a devastating curveball with late bite, and well-timed changeups — Morton kept the Chicago lineup off balance and induced weak contact.
“We knew going in that Charlie would be our guy to stabilize the rotation today, and he delivered,” said Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino after the game. “His experience showed, and he kept us in a position to win.”
Morton’s ability to pitch deep into games has been a bright spot for Baltimore this year, as the team’s rotation has been searching for consistent innings from its starters. His veteran savvy and willingness to battle through adversity have set a positive example for the younger arms on the staff.
Orioles Get on the Board Early
The scoring began in the third inning when Ramon Urías singled, bringing home Cedric Mullins who had reached base earlier. Ryan O’Hearn then extended the lead to 2–0 with a sacrifice fly, demonstrating Baltimore’s ability to manufacture runs with situational hitting.
The Orioles’ offense was methodical, grinding out at-bats and capitalizing on small mistakes by the White Sox pitching staff. Dylan Carlson’s double in the sixth inning drove in a crucial insurance run, giving Baltimore a 3–1 cushion that would prove essential.
Despite Chicago’s formidable lineup, Baltimore’s timely hitting and aggressive baserunning kept pressure on the defense, forcing errors and creating scoring opportunities.
White Sox Fight Back
The White Sox were not content to lie down and mount a fightback. Adrian Houser, starting for Chicago, was solid over 6⅓ innings, giving up three runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and one walk. However, a costly balk in the sixth allowed Andrew Benintendi to reach second base and eventually score on a fielding error by Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, cutting the lead to 3–2.
Mike Tauchman provided the most exciting moment for Chicago, blasting a solo home run off Orioles reliever Gregory Soto in the seventh inning, bringing the deficit to just one run and electrifying the White Sox fans.
The White Sox attempted to rally in the late innings, but Baltimore’s bullpen, anchored by Andrew Kittredge and closer Bryan Baker, held firm. Baker’s ninth-inning save was his first of the season, retiring the side in order and securing the victory.
Defensive Highlights and Game-Changing Plays
Defense played a critical role in the outcome. The Orioles showcased solid fielding all afternoon, highlighted by a remarkable diving catch by Dylan Carlson in left field in the fifth inning that thwarted a potential White Sox rally.
Although the Orioles were charged with one error—Holliday’s misplay leading to Benintendi’s run—they minimized costly miscues, and their overall defensive efficiency helped keep Chicago’s potent offense at bay.
The White Sox, meanwhile, committed a few errors themselves and were unable to capitalize fully on Baltimore’s mistakes, contributing to their narrow defeat.
Player Performances
Baltimore Orioles
- Charlie Morton (SP): 6⅔ innings, 6 hits, 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts. A commanding performance that stabilized the Orioles rotation.
- Dylan Carlson (OF): 2-for-4 with a double, key RBI in the sixth, and a standout defensive catch.
- Ramon Urías (IF): 1-for-3, 1 RBI single.
- Ryan O’Hearn (1B): Sacrifice fly to drive in an early run.
- Jackson Holliday (2B): Solid game defensively despite one error.
Chicago White Sox
- Adrian Houser (SP): 6⅓ innings, 8 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 1 walk, 6 strikeouts. A decent outing but unable to suppress Baltimore’s key rallies.
- Mike Tauchman (OF): 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a triple. One of Chicago’s few bright spots offensively.
- Andrew Benintendi (OF): Reached base twice, scored one run on an Orioles error.
- Andrew Kittredge (RP): 1 inning, gave up Tauchman’s homer but limited further damage.
- Bryan Baker (RP): 1 inning, perfect save in the ninth.
Managerial Strategies and Comments
Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino lauded his team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after sweeping the series.
“It’s a great feeling to see the guys come together and execute the game plan,” Mansolino said. “Charlie set the tone on the mound, and the offense did enough to support him. We want to build on this momentum going forward.”
White Sox manager Will Venable acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized the positive signs.
“We’re in these games, and that’s a positive,” Venable remarked. “We just need to find ways to finish and capitalize on our opportunities. It’s a process, and we’re committed to getting better.”
Broader Season Context
The Orioles’ sweep of the White Sox marks an important step for a team trying to right the ship. After a rocky start to the 2025 campaign, Baltimore has shown signs of progress, particularly with improved starting pitching and timely hitting.
The victory gives the Orioles momentum as they prepare for an upcoming West Coast road trip against the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners. Both series will be critical in determining whether Baltimore can maintain its upward trajectory in the AL East.
For the White Sox, the loss extends their early-season struggles. Sitting near the bottom of the AL Central standings, Chicago faces an uphill climb to remain competitive. Their next series against the Detroit Tigers will be a vital test for the team’s resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the Orioles bask in the glow of their first series sweep of 2025, the challenge will be to sustain their improved performance. Consistent pitching from Morton and his rotation mates, combined with solid defense and opportunistic hitting, will be crucial.
For the White Sox, regrouping and addressing their offensive inefficiencies will be the key to climbing out of their current slump. If they can harness the flashes of individual brilliance shown by players like Tauchman and Benintendi, the White Sox may yet turn their season around.
Sunday’s 3–2 victory was emblematic of the gritty, competitive baseball that Orioles fans hope to see more of. With Charlie Morton anchoring the rotation and a lineup that found ways to score when it mattered, Baltimore took a significant stride forward.
The sweep of the White Sox isn’t just a series win; it’s a statement that this Orioles team has the pieces and the fight to compete — a promising sign for the remainder of the 2025 season.