The Baltimore Orioles snapped their own three-game skid while extending the Detroit Tigers’ losing streak to seven, riding a four-RBI night from Pete Alonso and a go-ahead two-run homer from Jackson Holliday in a 7-4 win.
The Turning Point: Alonso and Holliday Deliver When It Matters
The Orioles entered Friday’s game mired in a three-game losing streak, but their offense exploded at the right time against a reeling Detroit Tigers squad. Pete Alonso, acquired in the offseason to bolster Baltimore’s lineup, continued his hot streak with a three-run homer in the third inning off Jack Flaherty (0-6), his 10th of the season. Alonso, who also added a sacrifice fly in the seventh, finished the night with four RBIs, reaffirming his role as the Orioles’ most dangerous power threat.
But it was Jackson Holliday, the highly touted second baseman making up for lost time after starting the season on the injured list, who delivered the decisive blow. Holliday’s two-run homer in the fourth inning—part of a three-run rally—propelled Baltimore to a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish. The 22-year-old, who missed the Orioles’ first 48 games, also singled earlier in the game, signaling his arrival as a key contributor in a lineup that had struggled for consistency.
Tigers’ Collapse Continues: Historic Road Woes Deepen
The loss was the Tigers’ 15th in their last 17 games, and their road record—now an MLB-worst 7-20—paints a grim picture for a team that entered the season with playoff aspirations. Detroit’s struggles were evident early, as rookie Kevin McGonigle gave them a brief 1-0 lead with a first-pitch homer off Orioles opener Keegan Akin. However, the Tigers’ bullpen and defense unraveled quickly.
Jack Flaherty, once a frontline starter, continued his rough 2026 campaign. The right-hander, who had never been called for a balk in 200 prior appearances, committed one in the fourth inning that allowed the Orioles to tie the game at 4-4. Flaherty’s night ended after just 3 1/3 innings, having allowed six runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out seven. The Tigers’ offense, which had shown flashes of life with RBI hits from Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee, couldn’t overcome the pitching deficiencies.
Baltimore’s Bullpen Steps Up in a Season-Defining Stretch
The Orioles’ bullpen, often a strength, delivered when it mattered most. Chris Bassitt (4-3) entered in the second inning and stabilized the game, allowing three runs over 4 1/3 innings. The relay of Rico Garcia, Yennier Cano, and Tyler Wells kept the Tigers scoreless in the late innings, setting the stage for rookie Anthony Nunez to close it out. Nunez, despite a shaky start to his season, notched his third save in five opportunities, striking out two in the ninth.
Offensively, the Orioles pounded out 14 hits, with Gunnar Henderson leading the charge with three. The victory kicks off a season-high 10-game homestand, a critical stretch for a team looking to regain its footing in the competitive AL East.
What’s Next: A Pitching Duel on Deck
The series continues Saturday with a marquee matchup: Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) takes on Orioles righty Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA). Valdez, a former Astros ace, will look to stop the bleeding for Detroit, while Young aims to build on his solid start to the season.
Why This Game Matters: A Tale of Two Seasons
For the Orioles, this win is a statement. After a slow start to May, their offense—led by Alonso and Holliday—showed signs of life against a struggling Tigers team. The return of Holliday, a former top prospect, adds depth to a lineup that was missing a consistent No. 2 hitter. Meanwhile, Alonso’s power surge (10 HRs in 40 games) validates Baltimore’s offseason gamble to acquire him.
For the Tigers, the loss is another alarming data point in a season spiraling out of control. Their 7-20 road record is the worst in baseball, and their pitching staff—once a strength—has been inconsistent. With Flaherty scuffling and the bullpen overworked, Detroit’s path to contention grows narrower by the day.
Fans of both teams will be watching closely: Can the Orioles build momentum, or will the Tigers find a way to stop the bleeding? One thing is clear: Friday’s game was a microcosm of their seasons so far.
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