Orioles Avoid Sweep in Thriller, but Kimbrel Struggles Again

The Baltimore Orioles managed to avoid being swept for the first time in almost two years by defeating the Washington Nationals 7-6 in a thrilling 12-inning game. However, the team’s closer, Craig Kimbrel, once again struggled, blowing his third save in five attempts. In the ninth inning, Kimbrel surrendered a home run to Eddie Rosario, which tied the game at five. He then issued consecutive walks, prompting manager Brandon Hyde to bring in Keegan Akin, who let in the go-ahead run on a single by CJ Abrams. Nonetheless, the Orioles were able to rally in the bottom of the 12th, thanks to a leadoff single by automatic runner Jordan Westburg, followed by errors by third baseman Ildemaro Vargas and catcher Keibert Ruiz. The winning run was driven in by Jorge Mateo, securing the victory for the Orioles. Despite the team’s success, concerns about Kimbrel’s performance have emerged, and his hold on the closer’s role is becoming increasingly tenuous. The Orioles split the series with the Nationals and now have a league-leading record of avoiding being swept in regular-season series, extending their streak to 103 victories, fourth-best in major league history. The upcoming opponent for the Orioles is the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will be hosted by them on Friday night. The Nationals, meanwhile, will travel to Boston to face the Red Sox, with Patrick Corbin getting the start for the Nationals.