Blue Jays Rally with Five Runs in 7th Inning to Defeat Orioles

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The Toronto Blue Jays staged a thrilling comeback with a five-run surge in the seventh inning to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 9-8 on July 30, 2025, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The dramatic rally not only prevented a series sweep for Toronto but also showcased their resilience and offensive firepower down the stretch of the MLB season.

The Blue Jays fell behind early, trailing 3-0 after Baltimore starter Ryan O'Hearn homered in the first inning. The Orioles sustained momentum with three runs in the middle innings and held a 5-4 lead entering the seventh. However, Toronto‘s lineup came alive in a pivotal frame, igniting the comeback.

Shortstop Bo Bichette sparked the uprising with a clutch two-run single off Orioles reliever Yennier Cano that put the Blue Jays ahead 6-5. The inning’s crescendo came from pinch-hitter Nathan Lukes, who blasted a three-run homer off the same Cano, capping the five-run rally and giving Toronto a decisive 9-5 lead. Lukes’ powerful swing earned him pinch-hit hero honors, demonstrating the depth Toronto has cultivated on their bench.

“We hurt ourselves early but showed great fight,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “Bo and Nathan really stepped up when it counted. That kind of clutch hitting can change the course of a game and a series.”

Baltimore refused to fold quietly, responding with three runs in the bottom of the seventh to narrow the margin to 9-8 and putting the tying run on base. But Blue Jays reliever Braydon Fisher entered with bases loaded and one out, striking out Cedric Mullins and the pinch-hitter Ramón Laureano to escape the jam and preserve the lead.

Fisher’s composure under pressure was key, as was the solid bullpen performance that followed. Seranthony Domínguez, a recent trade acquisition from Baltimore to Toronto, delivered a scoreless eighth inning. Jeff Hoffman then closed with his 25th save of the season, shutting down the Orioles in the ninth to seal the hard-fought victory.

“This team has grit,” said Hoffman postgame. “Getting those two big strikeouts and then finishing it felt great. We know every game matters in a tight division race.”

Toronto’s offense was balanced throughout the night. Alongside Bichette and Lukes, outfielder Myles Straw contributed a solo homer, while Joey Loperfido and Ryan O’Hearn also added critical hits. Straw and Loperfido each collected three hits as well, providing consistent offensive pressure.

Baltimore’s offense was powered by home runs from Ryan O’Hearn and Jordan Westburg, with Westburg lashing a key two-run shot in the seventh. However, costly defensive lapses and late-inning bullpen struggles ultimately undermined their efforts.

The win kept the Blue Jays’ lead in the American League East afloat, preventing the Orioles from sweeping the series. After dropping the first three games, Toronto showed resilience that may prove crucial as the playoff race intensifies.

Both teams are set for an off day on August 1 before the Blue Jays host Kansas City and the Orioles face Chicago in their next contests.

In summary, the Blue Jays’ electrifying five-run seventh inning against Baltimore was a testament to timely hitting, bullpen poise, and clutch performances by role players like Nathan Lukes and Bo Bichette. Their ability to rally from an early deficit and withstand a late Orioles charge highlights their championship aspirations late in the 2025 season.