Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Cowser Delivers Back-to-Back Walk-Offs, Orioles Lose to Rays

5/26/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cowser Walkoff HR

Colton Cowser hit a 9-7 walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 25, 2026.
It was his second walk-off after a three-run blast versus Detroit the day before, first such pair since Jonah Heim in 2021.
Cowser’s third homer of 2026 and 43rd career followed a replay-confirmed headfirst slide that tied the game in the 12th.
The win left Baltimore at 24-30 and kept Tampa Bay AL-leading at 34-17.

Summary

Cowser Walkoffs

Elias Sports Bureau noted Cowser was the first Oriole since Fred Lynn in 1985 to hit walk-off homers in consecutive games.
The 17-year-old draft pick moved from a platoon role to clutch hits, prompting manager Craig Albernaz to call the wins a turning point.
The win, after four Rays errors extended the game to the 13th inning, left the Orioles at 24-30 and sparked wild-card talk despite a sub-.500 record.

History

Historical Context

Cal Ripken Jr. entered the Orioles on August 10, 1981, later setting a 2,632-game consecutive-play streak that defined the franchise’s durability ethos. In May 2026, 17-year-old Colton Cowser delivered back-to-back walk-off homers, a clutch spark reminiscent of Ripken’s early impact. Manager Craig Albernaz hopes Cowser’s surge can similarly reshape Baltimore’s postseason outlook for the team.

1 of 3

Cowser Walkoff HR

Colton Cowser hit a 9-7 walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 25, 2026.
It was his second walk-off after a three-run blast versus Detroit the day before, first such pair since Jonah Heim in 2021.
Cowser’s third homer of 2026 and 43rd career followed a replay-confirmed headfirst slide that tied the game in the 12th.
The win left Baltimore at 24-30 and kept Tampa Bay AL-leading at 34-17.

1 / 3