With his 15th home run, Gunnar Henderson helps the Orioles defeat the Seattle Mariners 6-3.
Written by David GinsburgPublished at 3:30 p.m. PDT on May 19, 2024Associated Press Sports
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BALTIMORE, MD – May 19: On May 19, 2024, during the Seattle Mariners versus the Baltimore Orioles, shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) celebrates after hitting a leadoff home run against starting pitcher George Kirby (68). (Mark Goldman via Getty Images / Icon Sportswire)
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BALTIMORE—The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Sunday thanks to solo home runs from Gunnar Henderson, Ryan O’Hearn, and Corbin Burnes, who collectively threw a major league-high 15 strikeouts.
In the final game of the three-game series, Henderson hit the first of nine hits, including his fifth leadoff home run of the year against George Kirby (4-4). Henderson was 5 for 12 with two walks and five RBIs, including a home run in every game.
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“For a player in his second complete season in the major leagues, that’s fifteen home runs in less than two months. Manager Brandon Hyde of Baltimore stated, “It’s pretty amazing.” “He’s one of the best players in this game right now.”
Burnes (4-2) won for the first time in five starts since April 20 after giving up one run and seven hits in six innings. His season-high of 11 strikeouts against the Angels on opening day was matched.
describing Burnes as “really dominant,” Hyde said. “He had everything going today.”
After a string of unproductive outings, Craig Kimbrel lost his position as Baltimore’s closer. However, he later assumed the role again and recorded three consecutive outs for his 9th save of the year and 426th career over 800 games.
“I know he was itching to get out there on the mound,” said Hyde. “It was great seeing him go three up, three down today.”
Luke Raley got three singles and Luis Urías drove in two runs for the Mariners, who fell down 5-1 in the third inning and were unable to recover. Since April 15, Seattle had emerged victorious in eight out of nine series.
If nothing else, they won’t have to see Henderson until July when the teams play in Seattle.
“He’s amazing,” Raley exclaimed. In addition to his incredible hitting, he plays shortstop defense rather well. Having a player with such impressive hitting ability at shortstop is truly beneficial.”
Kirby pitched six innings and gave up five runs. When Henderson crushed a 1-2 pitch over the center-field wall, he snapped an eight-inning stretch in which he had been scoreless.
As Henderson, the unexpected MLB long ball leader, put it, “Who would say they don’t want to be the best home run hitter in the major leagues? If hitting home runs coincide with my efforts to help the team win, then so be it.
Before O’Hearn sent a shot to right to start the third, it was 3-1. Later in the inning, Cedric Mullins added an RBI single.
ROOM FOR TRAINER
Mariners: INF After traveling to Yankee Stadium on Monday for a four-game series, the organization will determine whether to place Jorge Polanco (hamstring) on the injured list after he missed his fifth straight game. “We will probably make a decision when we get to New York,” Servais stated. “He feels better now. We are delaying as long as we can because of this.” … SS J.P. Crawford (oblique), who was struck in the hand by a pitch while on his rehab assignment, has been exercising in Seattle. Crawford might join the club in New York, according to Servais.
Orioles: RF Anthony Santander’s left knee was bruised, hence he was unable to play.
UP NEXT Mariners: In a matchup of the division leaders, Monday night’s game against the Yankees will feature Logan Gilbert (3-2, 3.07 ERA).
Orioles: On Monday night, Baltimore begins a three-game series in St. Louis behind the pitching of Dean Kremer (3-3, 3.72).
