On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles secured a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards, propelled by a dominant pitching performance from Charlie Morton and timely home runs by Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano. Despite two significant weather delays, Morton delivered a masterful outing, striking out 10 batters over five innings. His performance marked a historic achievement, making him the first pitcher in Orioles history to record multiple games with 10 or more strikeouts in five or fewer innings.
The game commenced after a 70-minute rain delay, with Morton quickly setting the tone. He allowed five hits and issued one walk, showcasing his ability to control the game despite the interruptions. Morton’s strikeout total underscored his dominance, as he consistently overpowered Angels hitters with his fastball and curveball combination. His performance was a testament to his resilience and experience, qualities that have defined his career.
Offensively, the Orioles capitalized on the opportunities presented by the Angels’ pitching. O’Hearn led off the second inning with a solo home run, his 10th of the season, providing an early lead for Baltimore. Laureano added an insurance run in the fifth inning with his eighth home run of the year. These timely blasts were all the Orioles needed, as the pitching staff maintained the shutout.
Following Morton’s departure due to the rain delay, the Orioles bullpen stepped up to preserve the lead. Yennier Cano, Gregory Soto, Bryan Baker, and Felix Bautista each contributed a scoreless inning of relief. Bautista, who has been a reliable closer for Baltimore, recorded his 13th save of the season, striking out two batters to seal the victory.
For the Angels, starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz delivered a solid performance, allowing four hits, including the two home runs, over 4 1/3 innings. However, he was unable to escape the fifth inning unscathed, as Laureano’s homer proved to be the decisive blow. The Angels’ offense struggled against the Orioles’ pitching, managing only eight singles throughout the game. Joe Adell and Luis Rengifo each recorded two hits, but the team was unable to generate significant scoring threats.
The game also marked the major league debut of Angels second baseman Christian Moore, who was selected eighth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Moore, who had been a key contributor to Tennessee’s national championship run in college, went 0-for-3 in his debut, facing the challenge of adjusting to major league pitching.
With this victory, the Orioles improved their record to 2-2 on their current six-game homestand. The win also highlighted the team’s depth and resilience, as they overcame the challenges posed by the weather delays and a formidable opponent. Baltimore’s pitching staff continues to be a strength, with Morton providing a veteran presence and the bullpen delivering when called upon. Offensively, contributions from players like O’Hearn and Laureano demonstrate the team’s balanced attack. As the season progresses, the Orioles will look to build on this performance and continue their pursuit of postseason contention.
