Orioles secure 7-3 victory over Padres as Henderson reaches 100th career home run

The Baltimore Orioles defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3, extending their recent offensive momentum with a decisive win that highlighted Gunnar Henderson’s continued development. Henderson recorded three hits, including his 100th career home run, which he achieved in his 567th game, marking the fourth-fastest ascent to the milestone in franchise history.

The game’s trajectory was established in the first two innings as the Orioles’ offence targeted Padres starter Griffin Canning. Canning, formerly of the Angels, surrendered six runs during that span, allowing the Orioles to take control early. Samuel Basallo opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the first inning, while Henderson’s power display in the fourth inning extended the lead to 6-2.

Orioles starter Shane Baz struggled with command, throwing 103 pitches over five innings. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks, with MASN broadcaster Jim Palmer noting that Baz appeared out of sorts. Baz exited after the fifth inning following a double and a single that made the score 7-3, though he benefited from a key double play to end the frame.

The Orioles’ bullpen provided the necessary stability to secure the victory. Anthony Nunez, Keegan Akin, Yennier Cano, and Andrew Kittredge combined to prevent any further scoring from San Diego. The relief corps was particularly effective in the sixth inning, where Nunez recorded two strikeouts, and in the eighth, where Cano pitched a perfect frame.

Despite the win, the Orioles failed to capitalise on scoring opportunities in the seventh and eighth innings. They loaded the bases in the seventh but were unable to score when Coby Mayo was struck out by David Morgan. The victory reinforces Baltimore’s position as the third-highest scoring team in Major League Baseball in home runs since May 8, according to MASN broadcasters.