Dylan Beavers’ Walk-Off Homer Leads Orioles Past Rays

BALTIMORE, Maryland — Dylan Beavers hit a walk-off home run on the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Baltimore Orioles a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in their home finale on Thursday.

The Orioles’ win didn’t just secure a dramatic comeback; it also kept them out of last place in the AL East after rallying from a 5-2 deficit in the eighth inning. With this victory, Baltimore guaranteed the Rays their second consecutive losing season, and their first since 2017.

Beavers, a rookie outfielder, recorded the fourth homer of his career. In the eighth inning, Coby Mayo brought the team back to level terms with a two-run homer off Rays pitcher Kevin Kelly. This pivotal moment came after the Orioles had been trailing since earlier in the game.

The Rays had established their lead with a three-run third inning, highlighted by Christopher Morel‘s two-run double. Ryan Mountcastle and Jeremiah Jackson also contributed two hits each for the Orioles, while Mountcastle hit a solo home run in the same inning.

The pitching performances were notable. Keegan Akin earned the win for the Orioles, pitching one inning without allowing a run, bringing his record to 5-4. On the other hand, Kevin Kelly took the loss, allowing both homers in the ninth.

In a game marked by tense moments, the Rays had loaded the bases in the eighth inning but failed to score, as Orioles reliever Rico Garcia struck out two batters to end the threat.

Despite injuries to key players like outfielder Everson Pereira and designated hitter Yandy Diaz, who both left the game early due to tightness, the Rays still managed offensive momentum with strong performances from Jake Mangum and others.

With this win, the Orioles wrapped up their season series against the Rays at 7-6. Next, Tampa Bay will head to Toronto for a three-game series, facing off against the playoff-bound Blue Jays.