Gunnar Henderson's leadoff homer launches big 1st inning for Orioles in 9
BALTIMORE (AP) — Gunnar Henderson’s fourth leadoff homer of the season sparked a five-run first inning that backed an effective pitching performance by John Means and carried the Baltimore Orioles past the Seattle Mariners 9-2 Friday night.
After Henderson’s 13th home run — tied with Houston’s Kyle Tucker and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani for the major league lead — Baltimore’s next five batters reached base against Bryce Miller (3-4). A throwing error by shortstop Dylan Moore let in a run and Colton Cowser followed a walk with a two-run double down the right-field line.
The first out was a sacrifice fly by Jordan Westburg that capped the outburst.
“It was great to jump on them right away and get a bunch of runs there in the first inning,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “It was nice to be able to pitch with a little bit of a lead.”