BALTIMORE — In a standout performance, Reynaldo Lopez struck out eight batters over six shutout innings, and Ozzie Albies collected four hits, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 6-3 victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. This win snapped the Braves’ five-game losing streak and halted the Orioles’ six-game winning streak.
Marcell Ozuna’s two-run double in the first inning off Baltimore’s Cole Irvin set the tone for the game. Atlanta extended their lead with additional runs in the fourth and sixth innings and capped it off with two more in the ninth. This offensive burst resulted in 12 hits, their highest total since June 1.
Baltimore fought back with a three-run homer by Kyle Stowers in the seventh inning, narrowing the Braves’ lead to one and casting doubt on Atlanta’s third win of their nine-game road trip. However, Joe Jimenez pitched a scoreless eighth, and Raisel Iglesias secured his 17th save despite allowing a leadoff baserunner in the ninth.
Lopez, who now holds a 4-2 record, delivered his best performance of the season, allowing just two singles and throwing 58 of his 91 pitches for strikes. He retired 14 consecutive batters at one point and issued only one walk. This dominant display kept the Orioles from advancing any runner past second base until the sixth inning.
Cole Irvin settled down after a rocky start but still conceded four runs over 5 2/3 innings, three of which were earned. Albies’ and Orlando Arcia’s timely hits added crucial runs for the Braves, further solidifying their lead.
In the Orioles’ camp, right-hander Dean Kremer, recovering from a triceps strain, threw a bullpen session. The team is expected to decide on his rehab assignment soon, according to manager Brandon Hyde.
Looking ahead, the Braves will start a three-game series at home against Tampa Bay with Chris Sale aiming to bounce back from a tough loss. Meanwhile, the Orioles’ Kyle Bradish will seek to provide consecutive quality starts as they face the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game set.
