Orioles Fall 6-3 to Guardians in Series Opener

BALTIMORE — The Cleveland Guardians (9-7) topped the Baltimore Orioles (6-10) 6-3 on Tuesday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, powered by a three-run homer from Steven Kwan and solid pitching from starter Logan Allen. The victory keeps Cleveland in second place in the American League Central, while Baltimore remains last in the AL East.

Kwan’s fifth-inning homer(3) off Orioles starter Charlie Morton (0-4) broke a scoreless tie, driving in two runs with one on base. The Guardians added three more runs in the sixth, capitalizing on singles from Gabriel Arias and Angel Martínez, a sacrifice fly by Bo Naylor, and a two-out RBI single by José Ramírez. Cleveland’s 11 hits, including a triple from Martínez, overwhelmed Baltimore’s pitching staff.

Allen (1-1) earned the win, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits, issuing two walks, and striking out six. Reliever Emmanuel Clase secured his second save, tossing a scoreless ninth despite a single. The Guardians’ bullpen, including Joey Cantillo and Cade Smith, allowed three runs late but held the lead.

Baltimore’s offense struggled early, managing just two hits against Allen. Cedric Mullins sparked a rally with a solo homer in the seventh off Cantillo, his fourth of the season. In the eighth, Ryan Mountcastle and Jesús Sánchez added RBI hits off Smith, but the Orioles left eight runners on base, including two in scoring position. Mullins led Baltimore with two hits, including a stolen base, while Gunnar Henderson doubled and scored.

Morton took the loss, surrendering five runs on seven hits over five innings, with three walks and two strikeouts. His ERA rose to 8.84, reflecting early-season struggles. Relievers Cionel Pérez, Scott Blewett, and Matt Bowman allowed one additional run, with Blewett and Bowman limiting further damage.

The game, attended by 14,203 fans, featured 59-degree weather with an 18-mph wind blowing out to right field, aiding Kwan’s homer. Cleveland’s offense capitalized on seven runners in scoring position, though they went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Baltimore’s defense, highlighted by an outfield assist from Tyler O’Neill, turned a double play but couldn’t overcome early deficits.

Cleveland’s win improves their road record to 5-4, while Baltimore’s home struggles continue, dropping to 3-5 at Camden Yards, per MLB.com standings. The Guardians’ team ERA remains strong at 3.65, fourth in the AL, while Baltimore’s pitching ranks 22nd with a 4.45 ERA.

The series continues Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. ET, with Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee (1-2, 4.15 ERA) facing Baltimore’s Dean Kremer (2-1, 3.86 ERA). Fans can follow live on MLB.com or the Orioles’ website.