Grayson Rodriguez recorded eight strikeouts over six innings to secure his 12th win of the season, while Cedric Mullins joined the ranks of Baltimore batters with 10 home runs as the Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers 8-4 on Saturday night.
Jordan Westburg and Ryan O’Hearn also hit home runs, adding to Baltimore’s league-leading total of 156 homers, surpassing the New York Yankees by 16.
The Orioles, leading the AL East and the first team in the American League to reach 60 wins, took the lead with a four-run second inning against Max Scherzer (1-3), who did not return for the next inning due to arm fatigue.
Rodriguez allowed three hits and two runs in a brief stretch during the second inning but settled in afterward, retiring 13 of the last 14 batters he faced.
“His fastball improved as the game progressed,” commented Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. “Although he had a rocky start with a couple of runs, he finished strong with six solid innings for us.”
Rodriguez is the first Orioles pitcher since Sidney Ponson in 2003 to achieve 12 wins in his first 18 appearances of a season.
“I just wish I had a cleaner start to the game,” reflected Rodriguez on his performance.
Mullins’ bunt single in the second inning contributed to Baltimore’s early lead, followed by a throwing error by Scherzer that allowed runners to advance, leading to the first run. Ramón Urías then delivered a two-run single, and later scored on Anthony Santander’s single.
Scherzer, who threw 53 pitches in total, including 34 strikes, struck out one batter and walked two in what was only his sixth start since offseason back surgery, dealing with some nerve issues during his rehabilitation.
