Baltimore’s staff is at an all-time low following Kansas City’s slugfest.
Camden Yards became a hitter’s dream Sunday afternoon during the series finale between the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals.
The Orioles mashed four home runs and scored six times, a great sign for an offense that averaged 3.8 runs per game entering Sunday. Somehow, it wasn’t enough to claim a series victory.
The Royals bested the O’s 11-6 thanks to a franchise-record seven home runs. The teams combined for 10 solo home runs, tying a Major League record. Michael Massey’s two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning was the lone multi-run blast.
Nine players cranked one out of the park, with Jackson Holliday and Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia smacking two. The 11 home runs tied the record for the most in a game at Camden Yards.
“It was kind of like everyone was throwing punches,” Holliday said, per Jake Rill.
The game was yet another indication that the Orioles’ pitching staff is at an unbelievable low. Five of the six pitchers Baltimore used allowed a home run.
The same five allowed at least two runs each. Keegan Akin’s scoreless inning was the lone exception, but it came after Bryan Baker allowed a game-tying shot from Garcia.
Pitching woes remain as the height of Orioles’ downfall
The Orioles can’t expect to compete this season with their current pitching staff. Following Sunday’s game, Baltimore has allowed 51 home runs in 33 games, the most in Major League Baseball.
The staff ranks 29th with a 5.43 ERA and .287 batting average against. Only the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies have allowed more runs.
What makes Sunday’s homer-happy contest worse is the fact that Kansas City is not a power-hitting team. The Royals had an MLB-low 18 home runs in their first 34 games.
They ranked 20th last season with 170 longballs. Seven homers later, the Royals are out of the basement and secured another series victory over the Orioles.
Kansas City’s 11 runs marked the third time Baltimore allowed double-digit runs this season. The Orioles’ third such game last year didn’t occur until June 21. They’ve allowed eight or more runs eight times in 2025.
Reinforcements are coming for the O’s. Zach Eflin could be back within the next week. Former All-Star reliever Andrew Kittredge is not far behind. Top pitching prospect Chayce McDermott will more than likely be back in the majors before the summer begins.
However, if the Orioles want a shot at returning to the playoffs, the pitchers currently available have to step up their game. It’ll be a long summer in Baltimore if things continue to trend downward.