Gunnar Henderson Delivers in Clutch: Orioles Edge Guardians 4-3 in Cleveland Thriller

By Oliver Wiener July 28, 2025 12:02

On July 24, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles secured a crucial 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in a tense matchup at Progressive Field, with Gunnar Henderson’s clutch two-out RBI single in the seventh inning proving decisive. This dramatic win allowed the Orioles to avoid a four-game sweep and marked a bright spot in a challenging stretch for the team.

The game began strongly for Baltimore, as they jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run homer from Ramón Laureano and an RBI double by Ramón Urías. Orioles starter Charlie Morton delivered a solid start, pitching 6 2/3 innings while throwing a season-high 107 pitches. Morton allowed three runs but kept the Guardians’ offense in check, striking out seven batters and mounting key defensive plays to stabilize the innings.

The Guardians fought back with determination, highlighted by Steven Kwan’s two solo home runs in the third and fifth innings, giving Cleveland a chance late in the game. Nolan Jones also contributed with a sacrifice fly that brought a run home. Cleveland's Logan Allen, struggling with command on the mound, was removed after six innings, having given up multiple runs and suffering his fifth loss in six starts.

The turning point came in the seventh inning when Orioles’ Alex Jackson doubled to get on base, followed by a walk to Jordan Westburg. With two outs and runners on the corners, Henderson stepped to the plate facing Erik Sabrowski. Delivering under pressure, Henderson lined a single to right field that scored Jackson, giving Baltimore a 4-3 lead that they would hold onto. Henderson acknowledged the importance of the moment, saying, “We needed that hit, and I just focused on putting the ball in play. Everyone was counting on this inning, and I was ready to deliver.”

The bullpen upheld the slim lead as Gregory Soto sealed the win with a clean ninth inning, earning his first save of the season while filling in for the sidelined Felix Bautista. Soto impressed by shutting down a potent Guardians lineup and demonstrating poise under pressure.

Manager Brandon Hyde praised his team's resilience and Henderson's performance: “Gunnar coming through in a clutch situation was critical. That hit changed the course of the game and gave us the momentum we needed. It takes a strong bullpen and clutch hitting to win close games like this against quality opponents.”

Beyond Henderson’s heroics, the Orioles demonstrated balanced offense throughout the lineup, with Ramón Laureano’s power display continuing to be a highlight he homered three times in the series, an impressive feat considering his limited homers in past seasons. The defense also contributed key plays, including Henderson’s athleticism in the field, preserving leads and stopping momentum in Cleveland's favor.

For the Guardians, despite being edged out, the recent surge in their performance winning 11 of 14 games since early July reflects a promising upward trend. Steven Kwan’s multi-homer game marked a career milestone and a reminder of the team's offensive potential.

In sum, the Orioles’ 4-3 victory over the Guardians was a tightly contested battle defined by Henderson’s timely hitting and the pitching staff’s grit. The win provides Baltimore a crucial boost as they fight to improve their standing while showcasing the budding star power of Gunnar Henderson, who continues to solidify his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.