The train that is the Baltimore Orioles rolled into Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia Monday night, where the Orioles defeated the Phillies 3-2. Many in Birdland travelled with the Orioles up I-95 as the number orange shirts in the crowd of 44,043 demonstrated.

First and foremost, the game was a pitcher’s duel. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer allowed 1 run on 3 hits, walked 2, struck out 3 and threw a wild pitch over 7.0 innings, providing manager Brandon Hyde the pitching length the team needed. Kremer’s effort was matched by Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez (7.0 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 8 K, 2 HR).

The contest turned in the third inning when Aaron Hicks (0 for 1) made a diving “catch” in center, rolled over his glove and the ball and injured his left hamstring. Video showed the ball coming out of Hicks glove but the out call was not challenged. Colton Cowser (1 for 3, 1 2B, 1 RBI) replaced Hicks and made his mark on the game, assisting Jorge Mateo (0 for 3) in a put out of Bryce Harper in the eighth inning and by doubling in Gunnar Henderson (0 for 3, 1 R, 1 BB) with the eventual winning run in the ninth. He even saved the MASN microphone from a post-game water and milk bath.

Bryan Baker (4-3) allowed 1 hit and recorded the final out of the eighth inning to get credit for the win.

Monday was also a night of firsts. Jordan Westburg (1 for 3, 1 R, 1 RBI) hit his first MLB homerun (356 ft. to right field) in the second inning and Cionel Perez (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) earned his first save of the 2023 season.

Ryan Mountcastle went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI, hitting his 12th homerun in the sixth inning.

BOX SCORE

2023 Record: 62-38

Next Game: Tues. 7/25 @ 6:40 pm vs. Phillies in Philadelphia

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