Pete Alonso’s first-inning blast ignited Baltimore’s offense, snapping a losing skid and clinching the series while Adley Rutschman’s steady hitting piled more misery on the struggling Marlins.
MIAMI — Pete Alonso hit a three-run homer to set the tone for the Baltimore Orioles’ 7-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday at loanDepot park.
The Marlins (16-21) have lost four straight games and are 1-5 during their 10-game homestand. The Fightin’ Fish were 10-6 at home prior to May 1, .
The Orioles (17-20) clinch the series win after losing five straight games before coming to Miami.
It was the “Polar Bear’s” only hit of the game, but he made it count. A walk and a hit-by-pitch set the stage for his blast in the first inning.
“Pete always has a chance to hit a home run no matter what the count is,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “He’s extremely prepared.”
The Marlins fought back in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game. After back-to-back fly outs to lead off the inning, Connor Norby reached on a walk and Kyle Stowers singled to spark the rally.
Jakob Marsee drove them home on a two-run double, and later scored on a sharp single by Owen Caissie to make it a 3-3 game.
The Orioles took back the lead in the fourth inning and never looked back. Leody Taveras hit a two-out double and scored on a ground-rule double by Dylan Beavers to put Baltimore up 4-3.
Pérez nearly escaped the fifth inning unscathed, but Taylor Ward drew a walk on a 3-2 count. He then scored on a double to right field by Adley Rutschman, extending the Orioles’ lead to 5-3.
Eury Pérez went five innings with five runs allowed on four hits, five walks, and six strikeouts.
Much like the fifth inning, Ward drew a walk and Rutschman struck again in the seventh inning on an RBI double. Rutschman finished with a 2-for-3 night to raise his batting average to .313 on the season.
“His at-bat quality is so good,” Albernaz said. “He’s seeing pitches, he’s laying off tough pitches, and then he’s getting off his A-swing. He’s moving so well in the box right now and he’s able to catch up to velo and make adjustments to the off-speed.”
After being suppressed for five straight innings, the Marlins scratch across a run in the seventh inning. Otto Lopez hit a pinch-hit double to lead off the inning and scored after a pair of outs drove him home.
The Orioles scored their final run in the eighth inning. Samuel Basallo singled to lead off the inning. He then scored on an RBI triple by Blaze Alexander.
Dax Fulton went four innings in relief for his Major League Debut. He allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
“Big league pitching is extremely tough every single night,” Albernaz said, “and our guys have the ability to not give in.”
Orioles starting pitcher Brandon Young went six innings for his third win of the season, allowing three runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
The Marlins will try to avoid being swept for the second time this season on Thursday when they send right-handed pitcher Max Meyer (2-0, 2.68 ERA) on the mound against Baltimore lefty Cade Povich (1-1, 4.41 ERA).
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