Colton Cowser's Three-Run Blast Powers Orioles Past Rays 4-1!

Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, Florida, USA - In a thrilling matchup on June 19, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, where Colton Cowser took center stage with a pivotal performance. The left fielder crushed a three-run home run during the sixth inning, sealing the 4-1 victory for the Orioles, who are looking to secure their place in the playoffs.

Cowser’s home run not only broke a 1-all tie but also showcased his impressive form, marking his sixth homer of the season. This marks his third consecutive game with a home run, a feat that has certainly put him on the radar as a key player for Baltimore. Furthermore, he contributed a double during the game, adding to his standout performance and reflecting his growing consistency at the plate.

Pitching Dominance

On the pitching front, Charlie Morton delivered a solid outing, which was especially significant as it marked his 400th major league game. He pitched six effective innings, surrendering just one earned run on six hits while striking out seven, which improved his record to 4-7 and showcased his recent uptick in performance with a 3-0 record in June. According to Star Tribune, Morton’s experience was palpable, as he has pitched in 36 different ballparks, the most among active pitchers.

In relief, Félix Bautista earned his 15th save in 16 attempts, completing a perfect ninth inning. Notably, the Orioles‘ bullpen held strong, as four relievers collectively prevented any runs from scoring in the final three innings. This cohesiveness in pitching was crucial in maintaining their lead against a determined Rays offense.

Tampa Bay’s Efforts

Despite their loss, the Rays had some bright spots, notably José Caballero, who stole his MLB-leading 28th base and scored on Danny Jansen’s RBI single in the third inning. Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen, while suffering a tough outing, held the Orioles to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, ending his own personal five-game winning streak.

The game saw an unexpected interruption in the seventh inning when Rays’ pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field after being struck by a foul ball hit by Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. This incident was further complicated as Bigge is already on the injured list with a lat strain, raising concerns over his availability moving forward.

Meanwhile, Yandy Diaz of the Rays extended his hitting streak to ten games, adding a double and a single to his remarkable performance, but it wasn’t enough to lift the team over a resilient Orioles side.

All in all, the Orioles showcased their potential with strong individual performances and strategic pitching, while the Rays continue to navigate a difficult period as they seek to regroup and turn their fortunes around.