Marlins leave the pelican on the piling in Baltimore, while the Orioles win behind O’Hearn’s bat

By: Cristopher Avello

The Miami Marlins were at Camden Park for Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Both team’s records were identical and both were spotted 11.5 games behind the division leading Blue Jays and Phillies. This is the first of two series against the Orioles who have unexpectedly landed in last place, after occupying first place for most of last season.

Both these teams were also keeping a close eye on their investments, since their 2024 trade involving Stowers, Norby, and Rodger. Baltimore acquired 2021 All-Star Trevor Rogers and the Marlins acquired 2025 NL All-Star Kyle Stowers, who since 2024 has had the second highest OPS% in the league amongst rookies and Connor Norby who is currently on a four game hit streak and 10 game long hit streak for the year.

Stowers and Norby both spoke before the game with the media. Stowers said, “This is where I was drafted and had some special moments, I hit my first home run here. It was good to catch up with some of the guys I played with in the minors and best friends.” Norby said, “ This place was special, great park, great fans, and special to be back.”

Baltimore won the first of three games, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn drove in two on two hits, in the first and third innings. Jordan Westburg scored three runs on three hits, Holiday and Henderson each scored a run and the Orioles gave starting pitcher Kremer all the support he would need before handing it over to the bullpen.

Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera exited the game after allowing four earned runs in four innings, with a posterior elbow injury. After his exit, the Marlins bullpen only gave up one run, which was on a Laureano single in the seventh, that made it a 5-0 game. 

Before the game Coach McCullough said the key to his success would be his ability to limit Oriole hitters' damage. After the game he said, “Cabrera had great stuff, his curve and change-up were effective and he showed the ability to miss bats.” Coach McCullough then reassured fans that he would be expecting a big second half from Cabrera. 

Cabrera after the game said, “I felt discomfort in my elbow and after talking to the staff we decided to leave the game, the Oriole hitters were really aggressive and good for them. I need to continue attacking the zone and be aggressive.” 

Otto Lopez, the one bright spot offensively, went 2-4, including his tenth home run of the season, avoiding their second consecutive shutout.

Kremer pitched outstandingly in one of his best starts of the year. He had seven strikeouts in 7 innings, and only allowed three hits to Marlins hitters. 

Marlins didn’t do enough with their plate approaches and were late on fastballs. Kremer’s mid 90 mph fastball forced Marlins hitters to fly out on 6 of their first 9 at bats.

The Marlins will send Janson Junk ( 3-1, 3.12 ) to the mound in game 2, against Trevor Rodger (2-0, 1.57 era ), the former Marlin who is 2-0 with a 1.57 era.