The Baltimore Orioles opened their doubleheader against the New York Mets on July 10, 2025, with a gritty 3-1 victory, powered by a dominant bullpen performance and a clutch two-run pinch-hit home run from Gunnar Henderson. Closer Félix Bautista secured his 18th save of the season, shutting down the Mets in the ninth inning and preserving the Orioles’ narrow lead in a tightly contested opener at Camden Yards.
Henderson’s Pinch-Hit Heroics
The game remained tight through seven innings until Gunnar Henderson stepped up in the eighth as a pinch hitter and delivered his first career pinch-hit home run a towering two-run shot that gave Baltimore a 3-1 advantage. The blast off Mets reliever Justin Hagenman ignited the Orioles’ offense and proved to be the decisive blow.
“Henderson’s ability to come through in clutch moments is a huge asset,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “That homer changed the momentum and gave us the lead we needed.”
Bautista’s Closing Mastery
Félix Bautista took the mound in the ninth, tasked with protecting a slim two-run lead. The Orioles’ closer was unfazed, striking out two batters and retiring the side in order to notch his 18th save. Bautista’s fastball velocity and sharp slider continue to make him one of the most reliable closers in the American League.
“Félix was locked in tonight,” Hyde added. “He’s been a rock for us all season, and his performance today was textbook.”
Strong Starting Pitching and Early Runs
Tomoyuki Sugano started for the Orioles and pitched six innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out six. Despite giving up an early two-run first inning to the Mets, Sugano settled down and retired nine consecutive batters at one point, keeping Baltimore competitive throughout.
The Orioles’ offense was paced by Alex Jackson, who doubled twice and scored two runs in his Baltimore debut. Jackson’s timely hitting helped the Orioles chip away at the Mets’ early lead, setting the stage for Henderson’s heroics.
Mets’ Struggles with Runners in Scoring Position
The Mets managed only five hits and struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-11 in those situations. Brett Baty’s two-out RBI single in the fourth inning accounted for New York’s lone run after the first inning.
Mets starter Justin Hagenman was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs in 1⅓ innings in relief, unable to contain the Orioles’ late-inning rally.
Implications for Both Teams
With the win, Baltimore improved to 50-43, continuing their strong homestand and staying in the thick of the AL East playoff race. The Mets fell to 39-26, losing ground in the NL East and struggling in interleague play with a 14-16 record.
Baseball analyst Trevor Sikkema noted, “The Orioles’ bullpen, led by Bautista, has been a key factor in their recent success. Coupled with timely hitting from players like Henderson and Jackson, Baltimore is showing the resilience needed down the stretch.”
What’s Next
The Orioles look to continue their momentum as they prepare for the second game of the doubleheader, aiming to sweep the Mets for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, the Mets will try to bounce back in the nightcap before heading to Kansas City for a series against the Royals.
Baltimore’s 3-1 victory over New York was a showcase of clutch hitting and bullpen dominance. Gunnar Henderson’s pinch-hit home run and Félix Bautista’s flawless ninth inning were the defining moments in a tightly contested game. As the Orioles push toward the postseason, performances like these highlight their ability to win close games and capitalize on key opportunities.
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