MINNEAPOLIS — The Baltimore Orioles have shown unwavering faith in Gunnar Henderson, placing him at the top of their batting order despite a challenging season that has seen him struggle significantly. However, that trust was rewarded on Tuesday night as Henderson played a pivotal role in the Orioles' 5-2 triumph over the Minnesota Twins.
Entering the game, Henderson was in the midst of a rough patch, having gone hitless in his last 16 at-bats and sporting a low .675 OPS, which ranked 127th among the 142 qualified players in Major League Baseball. Despite these struggles, the Orioles opted to keep him in the leadoff position, a testament to their belief in his abilities. This decision paid off handsomely, as Henderson not only broke his slump but also showcased his potential as a key contributor to the team's offense.
Henderson wasted no time making an impact, singling off Twins starter Bailey Ober on his second pitch of the game. He finished the evening with an impressive 3-for-5 performance, just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. His two-run home run in the second inning was a highlight of the night and contributed to the team's overall offensive output, which included three home runs against Ober. This marked Henderson's first multi-hit game since July 20, reminding fans and teammates alike of the talent he possesses.
The Orioles, now sitting at 58-62, demonstrated their power early in the game, with Henderson, Pete Alonso, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand each contributing significantly to the scoreline. Alonso followed Henderson's single with a home run, marking his 26th of the season, while Encarnacion-Strand launched a spectacular 460-foot shot to center field in the third inning, the longest homer by an Oriole since Jordan Westburg's 461-foot blast on July 5, 2025.
Despite the offensive fireworks, the game was not without its challenges. Alonso faced some difficulties on the base paths, getting tagged out at third base during a groundout and later being thrown out at home plate on a two-out single by Tyler O'Neill. These missteps, however, did not overshadow the team's overall performance.
On the mound, Brandon Young delivered a quality start for the Orioles, earning his team-leading ninth win of the season. He navigated through several challenging situations, allowing two runs (one earned) over six innings while striking out four batters. Young's ability to limit the Twins to a 1-for-9 performance with runners in scoring position was crucial in maintaining the Orioles' lead.
One of the runs scored by the Twins was unearned due to a catcher’s interference call against Yohel Pozo, who was forced to leave the game after sustaining an injury. Carlos Narváez took over behind the plate, as the Orioles diagnosed Pozo with pain in his left index finger.
The Orioles' bullpen also played a significant role in securing the victory. Josh Walker pitched a flawless seventh inning, and Yennier Cano faced some pressure in the eighth but managed to escape unscathed. Andrew Kittredge closed the game in the ninth, earning his sixth save of the season, trailing only the injured Ryan Helsley for the team lead.
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