The Orioles have gone streaking once again. Last night’s 2-1 walk-off win was their fourth in a row, all against supposed “contenders” in the National League. The win kept them undefeated in the month of September and improved their overall record on the year to 65-76. The role of “spoiler” is in full effect, folks.
Samuel Basallo was responsible for the winning run, smacking his first Camden Yards home run off of former Orioles reliever Tanner Scott in the bottom of the ninth inning. It has been a relatively slow start to the big league career of Basallo, which is not surprising for a 21-year-old that is just figuring things out. The long ball feels like his first signature moment. Hopefully many more are coming.
On the negative side of things, Dean Kremer had to leave the game after just three innings due to the ever-ominous “forearm discomfort.” Oftentimes, that is a precursor to elbow problems and then Tommy John surgery. Interim manager Tony Mansolino told the press after the game that right now it is considered “mild.” They will get imaging done on Saturday, but the medical staff currently has “pretty low” concern about the issue. We shall see.
Even if Kremer does have to go on the IL right now, it would be a huge relief if the issue actually is “mild.” Kremer has been the most reliable member of the Orioles pitching staff all year long. After a rough start to the year, he locked in and was in fine form until some recent wobbles. While the Orioles should be shopping for starting pitching this offseason no matter what, Kremer felt like a lock as the number five in the 2026 rotation. His ability to go out and give 5+ solid innings every fifth day is valuable, even if it comes with a 4.50-ish ERA year to year. Fingers crossed we get some good news on him later today.
It’s gonna be a busy day in Baltimore. The media is referring to it as “Traffic Jamageddon” due to a trio of major events happening at the same time: An Orioles game at Camden Yards that is likely to be well-attended due to the opponent and the promotions, a sold-out concert at the arena for someone named Benson Boone, and the Maryland Cycling Classic, which requires several roads to be shut down for the course. If you are in the city tonight, give yourself plenty of time to get around.
Diamondbacks Claim Elvin Rodriguez | MLB Trade Rumors
Rodriguez pitched one inning for the Orioles. It did not go well. The 27-year-old will now try to get onto the mound in Arizona. Good luck to him!
Ripken recalls brawl that almost ended The Streak | Roch Kubatko
It’s going to be a weekend of memories at Camden Yards. Much of that time will spent on the actual day that Cal broke “The Streak,” but there are many more episodes in the 2,130 games leading up to it that are probably more interesting, if not more culturally impactful.
The collectibles and tchotchkes I kept from Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak | The Baltimore Banner
I’m not one that cares much for signatures of game-worn/used things, but I do love a tchotchke. I can almost guarantee that I have the six-pack of Coke and the Burger King baseball set in a box somewhere. My grandparents, in particular, would seek out those sorts of things. Why? I do not know. But those treasures now occupy a beloved space somewhere in my attic.
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Shawn Dubin turns 30 today. A waiver claim at the end of August, the righty has pitched in four games this season for the Orioles, and would seem to be in the mix (along with many other arms) to stick in the bullpen going into 2026.Donnie Hart is 35 years old. The 27th round draft pick beat the odds to become a big leaguer, pitching out of the Orioles bullpen from 2016 through ‘19.Derrek Lee celebrates his 50th birthday. A 15-season MLB veteran that become a star with the Cubs, Lee ended up on the 2011 Orioles as a stopgap at first base and was then dealt at that deadline for a minor leaguer.Roy Smith turns 64. He pitched in 17 games for the 1991 Orioles, struggling to a 5.60 ERA, which represented the end of his eight-year MLB career.The late Jim Fridley (b. 1924, d. 2003) was born on this day. He patrolled the Orioles outfield for part of the 1954 season.
This day in O’s history
1974 – As part of a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland, Dave McNally and Mike Cueller both throw shutouts. They are the fourth and fifth consecutive shutouts by the Orioles, making it 54 straight innings without allowing a run, an AL record.
1975 – The Orioles beat the Yankees 7-6 in 13 innings, a game that sees Earl Weaver, Billy Martin, and Thurman Munson all ejected in the ninth inning.
1995 – Cal Ripken Jr. plays in his 2,131st straight game, breaking Lou Gehrig’s record and becoming baseball’s new Iron Man.
1996 – Eddie Murray becomes the 15th player in MLB history to his 500 career home runs.
2013 – The Orioles draw even with the Yankees in the AL East, beating the Bombers 10-6 thanks to six home runs, including three in the eighth inning alone.