Cedric Mullins hit a two-run home run to start a big second inning, Gunnar Henderson got on base four times, and the Baltimore Orioles easily beat the New York Yankees 17-5 on Thursday.
It was a hot day at 90 degrees, and the Orioles improved their record against the Yankees to 5-2. They also set a new record in Major League Baseball by winning their 22nd consecutive series against a team from the AL East.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this surpasses records previously held by the Atlanta Braves (1998-2000), Milwaukee Brewers (1991-92), and Cincinnati Reds (1975, 1969-1970).
“I’m really proud of how our team performed in this series, especially the way we swung the bats today. It was incredible,” said Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde. “We had a lot of hard-hit balls early in the game and really good at-bats.”
The Orioles now have a 19-7 record against AL East teams this season and have been strong with a 51-27 record since last season began.
“I’m not sure what kind of statement we’re making,” Hyde added. “Other teams see us as a strong team, and our record and how we’ve been playing against our division over the past few years show that.”
Henderson had three hits, including two doubles, extending his on-base streak to 27 games, the longest active streak in the majors. He also has a career-best hitting streak of 13 games and contributed with an RBI groundout in the sixth inning.
“It was awesome,” Henderson said.
Ryan Mountcastle had a double that cleared the bases and a single that brought in another run in the ninth inning against New York catcher Jose Trevino. Anthony Santander hit a three-run home run, his 10th this month, which is the most in MLB. With this win, the Orioles are now just half a game behind the first-place Yankees.