Full Breakdown
Orioles Rally in 13-Inning Thriller to Defeat Rays, Cowser Hits Back-to-Back Walk-Off Homers
5/27/2026, 2:57:02 AM
Game Summary
On May 25, 2026 the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 9–7 in a 13-inning contest at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Starting pitcher Kyle Bradish worked six innings, allowing one run on five hits. Reliever Rico Garcia delivered two scoreless extra innings, striking out Richie Palacios and inducing a line-out from former Oriole Cedric Mullins. The decisive moment came in the bottom of the 13th when Colton Cowser hit a two-run walk-off home run off right-hander Jesse Scholtens.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Kyle Bradish: 6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 3 K, 2 BB; season ERA reported at 3.86 (Camden Chat) and 3.49 (The Banner).
- Rico Garcia: 2 IP in the 9th and 10th, 0 R, 1 K, 1 BB; ERA lowered to 0.77 after the game.
- Colton Cowser: .333 batting average in the stretch, second consecutive walk-off homer (two-run, 2-1 slider, 425 ft).
- Leody Taveras: RBI double in the 13th; stole second and advanced on a botched pickoff.
- Blaze Alexander: 3 H, including the go-ahead single in the 7th and a run-scoring single in the 13th.
- Rays errors: four defensive miscues (three by Victor Mesa Jr., one by Chandler Simpson); one Orioles error (shortstop Taylor Walls).
Background & Context
The Orioles entered the game with a 24-30 record, having lost 10-plus-run games six times this season and posting a 4-9 record in contests decided by five or more runs. A week earlier they suffered a 16-6 loss to the Rays, and their bullpen had faltered in the preceding series. The victory marked their third win in four games and was described by analysts as a potential turning point after a prolonged slump.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Craig Albernaz praised the collective effort, noting the team “did a great job of not trying to do too much and having great at-bats.” He highlighted the importance of aggressive baserunning, referencing Leody Taveras’s steal and the “batting order baton” concept. Bradish expressed confidence in the staff’s progress, stating the team should “just keep building where we’re at.” Albernaz also defended the decision to keep Garcia in the 10th, emphasizing the need for “steady assignments” amid the Rays’ unpredictable tactics.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed to repeated baserunning lapses: three pickoffs (including two of Gunnar Henderson) and two runners caught stealing. Managerial choices were questioned, notably the replacement of Yennier Cano with Anthony Nunez in the seventh inning despite Cano’s 1.40 ERA. Defensive shortcomings were also highlighted, as the Rays capitalized on four errors while the Orioles committed only one.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Probably one of my favorite wins on the Orioles,” — Colton Cowser
- “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
- “Just keep building where we’re at,” — Kyle Bradish
- “And Rico does what Rico does.” — Craig Albernaz
- “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
Impact & Why It Matters
The win halted a five-game losing streak against the AL-East leader and showcased the Orioles’ ability to rally from deficits in consecutive games. It also marked the first back-to-back walk-off homers by an Oriole since Fred Lynn in 1985, potentially shifting team morale and influencing the wild-card race as Baltimore seeks to climb out of the division basement.
What’s Next
The Orioles head into a three-game series against the New York Yankees, with the next two contests scheduled for May 27–28. Success in that series could extend the momentum generated in the Rays game and improve the Orioles’ standing in the AL East.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Bradish’s season ERA (3.86 vs. 3.49) and on the total error count (four Rays errors and one Orioles error versus a generic “four errors” description). No additional statistical details on pitch counts or defensive metrics were provided.
