Full Breakdown
Colton Cowser’s Back-to-Back Walk-Off Homers Lift Orioles Over Rays in 13-Inning Thriller
5/26/2026, 4:44:48 AM
Game Overview
On May 25 2026 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-7 after 13 innings. Outfielder Colton Cowser hit a two-run walk-off homer on a 1-1 pitch in bottom 13th, his second blast. Starter Kyle Bradish worked six innings, allowing one run on five hits; reliever Rico Garcia closed 10th with a strikeout.
Background & Context
The Orioles entered with a 24-30 record, fourth in the AL East and a team batting below .200. Cowser’s walk-off the night before against the Detroit Tigers gave the club back-to-back clutch wins, a rarity not seen since Fred Lynn’s consecutive walk-offs in May 1985.
Key Figures & Groups
Colton Cowser delivered both walk-off homers. Manager Craig Albernaz directed the comeback. Starter Kyle Bradish pitched six innings. Reliever Rico Garcia closed the 10th. Leody Taveras sparked the 13th-inning rally. Rays right-hander Jesse Scholtens gave up the final homer.
Timeline
- 1st: Jonathan Aranda homered, Rays 1-0.
- 6th: Bradish surrendered Aranda’s ninth homer, Rays 2-1.
- 7th: Leody Taveras walked, stole, scored on Blaze Alexander single to tie 2-2.
- 13th: Taveras doubled, Holliday sac fly tied; Cowser hit walk-off on 1-1 pitch.
Official Statements & Responses
Albernaz said the team “did a great job of not trying to do too much and having great at-bats.” Bradish called his outing “our best game, most complete game.” Albernaz added, “I love Rico in that situation, and I just wanted to make sure he was good.”
Criticism & Opposition
Albernaz’s decision to replace Yennier Cano with Anthony Nunez in the seventh drew criticism after Nunez allowed a tying RBI single. Base-running lapses—Blaze Alexander and Gunnar Henderson each being picked off—cost early runs. Four Rays errors and an Orioles misplay on a sac fly extended the game.
Fan Perspective
Fans called the atmosphere “electric,” cheering Cowser’s homer and celebrating with high-fives and Gatorade baths. The 4-hour, 13-inning marathon was deemed one of the season’s most chaotic.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cowser’s slash line appears as .200/.287/.316 in some reports, while ESPN lists .333 with three homers in eight games. Total home runs are cited as three by some outlets and four by others.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To see it come through at the biggest moment on the biggest stage, against a really good team. Yeah, I couldn't be happier, prouder for Colton.” — Craig Albernaz (The Banner)
- “By far that was our best game, most complete game,” — Kyle Bradish, pitcher (SI)
- “Just trying to get a base hit and contribute what I can,” — Colton Cowser, outfielder (MASN broadcast)
- “I love Rico in that situation, and I just wanted to make sure he was good,” — Craig Albernaz (The Banner)
What’s Next
The Orioles close the three-game series with the Rays on May 27, then travel to New York for a weekend series against the Yankees.
