The Baltimore Orioles fell 3-2 to the Cleveland Guardians on July 23, 2025, at Progressive Field, despite a strong effort from Jackson Holliday. Southern Maryland fans watched the Orioles, now 44-57 and fifth in the AL East, battle closely but come up short in the eighth inning, as the Guardians improved to 51-50.

Key Plays Shape the Game

The Baltimore Orioles took an early lead in the fourth when Ryan O’Hearn’s sacrifice fly scored Jordan Westburg, making it 1-0. The Guardians answered in the bottom half, with Kyle Manzardo’s two-run single driving in Steven Kwan and José Ramírez for a 2-1 edge. Holliday tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth, launching his 14th homer of the season off Slade Cecconi, a 356-foot shot to right field. The score held until the eighth, when Steven Kwan’s two-out single scored Bo Naylor, giving Cleveland a 3-2 lead. A throwing error by Colton Cowser allowed Naylor to score, sealing the Guardians’ victory.

Pitching and Defense

Orioles starter Zach Eflin pitched five innings, allowing two runs on two hits with five strikeouts. Relievers Andrew Kittredge and Yennier Cano kept Cleveland scoreless, but Colin Selby took the loss, giving up the decisive run in the eighth. For the Guardians, Cecconi went six innings, allowing two runs on five hits. Hunter Gaddis earned the win with a scoreless eighth, and Emmanuel Clase secured his 23rd save. The Baltimore Orioles turned two double plays but were hindered by a passed ball from Jacob Stallings. Cedric Mullins was caught stealing and picked off, limiting base-running opportunities.

Standout Performers

Jackson Holliday led the Baltimore Orioles with a homer and an RBI, while O’Hearn added a sacrifice fly. Mullins and Westburg each doubled, but the team went 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position. For Cleveland, Kwan and Manzardo drove in all three runs, with Kwan’s clutch single proving decisive. The Guardians’ four hits matched their efficiency, going 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position. The game, attended by 30,476 fans, lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes under clear skies.

What’s Next for the Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles face the Guardians again on July 24 at 1:10 p.m. in the series finale, with Charlie Morton (5-8, 5.58 ERA) taking on Logan Allen (6-8, 4.06 ERA). Southern Maryland fans can follow the Baltimore Orioles live on MLB Network or stream updates via ESPN, cheering for a rebound in Cleveland.

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