Charlie Morton struck out 10 over five dominant innings, and solo home runs by Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano powered the Baltimore Orioles to a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on a rain-soaked Friday night at Camden Yards.
The 40-year-old Morton (3-7) delivered his best outing of the season, working around two singles to open the fourth by striking out LaMonte Wade Jr. and inducing back-to-back groundouts to escape the threat. He struck out Zach Neto to start the fifth before a second rain delay ended his night.
Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz (3-8) kept the ball on the ground early but was tagged by O’Hearn for a first-pitch solo homer in the second inning. Laureano added another solo shot in the fifth, moments before the game was paused again due to weather.
Kochanowicz allowed two runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Four relievers combined to shut down Baltimore the rest of the way, but the damage was done.
Baltimore’s bullpen was lights out. Yennier Cano, Gregory Soto, and Bryan Baker each tossed a clean inning before Félix Bautista closed the door with a two-inning save—his 12th in 13 chances. The Orioles staff combined for 14 strikeouts on the night.
The win marked Baltimore’s 20th victory over the Angels in their last 25 meetings. The Angels had previously won two of three in their May series against the O’s.
Key Moment
After Morton gave up back-to-back singles in the fourth, he bounced back to strike out Wade Jr., then got two routine grounders to keep the Angels off the board.
Key Stat
Despite the win, the Orioles entered the night with a team ERA of 5.00—second-worst in the AL. The Angels weren’t far behind at 4.76.
Up Next
The series continues Saturday with Angels lefty Tyler Anderson (2-3, 3.99 ERA) facing Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (5-4, 3.23 ERA).
